Wk of Dec 4--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)

[chimera]

Just back from WDW so need to unpack. Realized the next time we go, we'll be going for the race! That's what I was thinking the whole way through EPCOT and MK on Sat...next time, it'll be during the half :scared1:

Of course, I spent the whole weekend eating so I'll be focusing on nutrition this week! Anyone else feel like they don't tolerate sweets anymore since they started training? I had a sundae at BW last night and was craving protein after I ate it...just seemed way too sweet.

Congrats to everyone on their LRs and races this weekend! I promise not to whine about poor training conditions anymore ;) Given the choice between 8 or 18 miles on the TM and training outside in the snow, I think I'd give it all up for an afternoon on the couch with some hot cocoa!

Have a good week everyone!

[keenercam]

Welcome back, Mel! Hope you had a great time!

BTW -- quick question. I don't remember if Disney gives out tee shirts like all the other 5Ks, 1/2s and fulls I've read about. If so, does anyone have any idea what it looks like? SS? or LS? I think I remember that my packet says XL on it next to my age, but my mind is totally blank (not good, considering I am work with about another 20 potential hours worth of work to do! :earseek: )

[NCRedding]

The shirt from this year's 1/2 marathon was in the bag I picked up at the expo with my bid number and chip. It is a long sleeve coolmax shirt. The front had " Walt Disney World 1/2 marathon January 9, 2005" with donald duck. One sleeve has the names of all the parks on it. The back has the main sponsors on it.

[kathcoll]

The Event Info section of the website says:
"Registration fee into the Walt Disney World® Marathon includes:
Race entry
Official Race Program
Commemorative Race Performance Shirt
Entry into the post-race celebration and awards
All finishers will receive:

Finisher Medal
Certificate
Official Race Recap
I have not found any info about the shirt other than that.

[keenercam]

Thanks, guys! I realize now that I looked at the finishers receive list and didnt' see the shirt there -- that is why I was :confused3 Now I understand it is included in registration, as other races do. Thanks for the description of last year's shirt -- sounds awesome! Of course, I need the one Lily got last year that says "I DID IT!" :teeth:

[littlegreydonkey]

Hello - blimey I have just waded through 91 posts from the end of last week, so no way can I remember everyone's questions but a) yes training is making me fatter too b) no you're not the last person to get your packet, I still don't have mine c) Tiff (aha, I remembered a name) I'm getting blisters on my blisters at the moment - but it helps if you tape your toes/sides of feet with strapping tape before you run. It stops them hurting while you run and eliminates some of the damage during. I'm now also wearing Nike padded running socks under my thicker running socks to give a double layer and that really seems to be helping too.

This weekend was my first 20 miler - it was good (am I alone in finding that worrying). It took me 3.50 with one 3 minute walk break and one 7 minute and I was stiff afterwards but no real pain. I do however stink of icy hot today though as my hip is a bit painy - I think I did that sitting still on the kayak yesterday though, I think it all stiffened up.

I am however most concerned about my ability to run this thing without weeping - I ran past the local santa parade at about mile 16 and had tears pouring down my face. This thing is three floats, two marching bands and a couple of stray dogs, what on earth am I going to be like when I see Tigger! Helen

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Helen--sounds like a good run! I had tears last year. Sadly--they were not of joy :(.

Kathcoll (hope I spelled that right): :wizard: that you are able to find healing with your medical issues.

[NYcpa]

I completed my LW today. :cold: :cold: :cold: It snowed lightly for the whole time I was out. It was 24 when I started and 28 2 hrs later when I finished. I managed a 15.18 average pace because I seem to have crawled for mile 7. Here are my splits.
mile 1 13.41
mile 2 14.04
mile 3 15.04
mile 4 14.05
mile 5 15.46
mile 6 15.48
mile 7 18.17
mile 8 15.33
cooldowm 15.33

Mile 3 included part of the trail that was still snow covered and slippery. From mile 5 on I didn't include any running segments. i just wanted to finish as my legs were cold from the time I got out of the car until i finished. My left leg was also went half-way to the knee. Note sure why the right leg didn't get wet also. My upper body got cold during mile 3. My hands even got cold and I was wearing golves. They were so cold I dropped my key in the snow trying to to unlock the car door.

Next week I will have to dress warmer for my 6 miles. I can't imagine the weather changing much.

[keenercam]

Kathy -- I give you a lot of credit for doing that in your weather conditions. :worship: I chickened out yesterday due to the cold and did my 8 on a TM. Congratulations!

[crzy4pooh]

NYcpa - Great job in the snow!!! Hope you have warmed up by now! :sunny:

Helen - Awesome job on the 20 miles!!! By the way, I'm taking kleenex because I will be bawling like a baby... I remember last year's 1/2 going down Contemporary Hill and seeing the sign overhead with Hercules that said "GO THE DISTANCE" - still gets me teary-eyed! :goodvibes Then that night we watched Wishes, and that song started playing - yup, more crying!!! ;)

I did my 12 miles yesterday, and the knee felt pretty good! Yea!!! I wore my brace, and tried to go into and out of the run intervals on the other leg. 14 min pace, so I think all is good!

DH's run was another story, though... He had DS in the "bicycle" aka jogging stroller, and was having a hard time from the start but didn't know why. Around mile 6 he realized the tire was flat. That meant he had to push the broken stroller and DS six miles back to the house, including up and over an overpass. He was not very happy when he got home... :rolleyes1 However, he got a good upper body workout in the process! ;)

Hope everyone has a relaxing end to their weekend! Here's hoping for a packet in tomorrow's mailbox!!! :wizard:

[MelRhoads]

Helen - you are definitely in trouble! If i could run as fast as you, we could cry together!

Lisa - I am no genius on the whole technology of the tight, but i got some last year b/c my knee was always hurting and it seemed like a good idea. I'll post a link so you can read up on them

Link to tights (http://www.backcountry.com/store/CWX0003/CW-X-Conditioning-Tight-Full-Length-Womens.html?id=uioAzWgo)

This a link of where you can buy them, there is a link on the backcountry page to cw-x to explain the purpose of the design.

[TXBelle]

I rode 14 miles on my bike today. I wanted to do 20, but the wind was so strong I couldn't do it. My legs ache a little today after the 5 mile walk/run yesterday and the 14 mile bike ride this morning. Tomorrow is a big day for me at work so cross your fingers and send :wizard: that everything goes well.

Have a great week everyone!

[TEK224]

Please tell me WHY we are subjecting ourselves to this torture?? :confused3

I did a half marathon today. Yep 13.1 miles. First time ever. Wasn't a race, just my scheduled long wog (although i was hoping to do 17).

It was Murphy's Law from the start. Woke up to find snow and ice covering the streets. :earseek: Clean off the car and my property, dropped the dog at the groomers and headed to church (should've said a prayer for my workout :rolleyes: ).

After Church, went to pick up the :dog: but she wasn't ready yet. Waited about 20 minutes. Took her home, got myself ready and drove to the place where I run. The path was okay, just a little slippery in spots. For the first 1 1/2 miles my shins hurt, but I knew that would pass. Finished 8.5 miles in 2 hours flat. I was :Pinkbounc for joy. That was 2 minutes faster than I had ever done before. It was downhill from there. Mile 9 took me almost 25 minutes to get through. My legs felt dead, my back hurt, I just barely kept moving forward. Ate a Snickers marathon bar, which seemed to help a little. At mile 11 I passed the spot where my car was. Grabbed a bottle of water and a banana. Felt better after that. Finally finished in a total time of 3:10.58 for 13.1 miles (according to my Garmin).

Now my whole body aches. I've stretched twice since I got home. Getting up after sitting is an adventure. Ate dinner and now feel like I could puke. I know I still have a couple of weeks before my taper, but I'm getting nervous that I won't be able to finish the full :sad: I am ready to just jump into bed and crash for the night.

So why do we subject ourselves to this? Oh yeah -I WANT THAT GOOFY MEDAL!!!

Terri
(pity party is now over!)

[Tiger Lily 03]

Lynne, Beautiful pics! I agree, You do need to be involved in exracurricular things. We definitely need more docs to understand our pains and struggles. (Not that I wish any of these pains or struggles on you)

kathcoll, prayers and PD to you that your medical issues are resolved in an easy and successful manner. It is great that you are recommended to continue with the race walking. Hope that we can see you at the event next year, and even this year for the half.

Mel, I like those tights too. They come in all lengths! Hmmm wish I had a bottomless reserve of cash flow for this sport.

Sunny, I love that idea of the fitness machines with memory. They have it at a private gym, but I would have to travel farther than the one I go to for it. It is almost worth the travel in my mind, but I won't do it. I'm always talking it up around here though.

Christa, sorry you are sore today and needing to care for a wee one. Hope all feel better tomorrow.

Terri, sorry about your experience.

And now for my news:
I did it!
Well, not the real "It," but my 18 miler LR. The farthest I've ever gone! It wasn't pretty toward the end but I came in at 16:15 pace. I know as these last 8 miles are looming, that I will probably slow for them significantly so the bets aren't in yet which way I will sway for the event. I am getting closer to really doing it, and growing more stressed too. (But a good stressed I think) I feel much better than the 16 miler I did 2 weeks ago, so I guess that my body did need to recouperate. Now the test will be how I feel tomorrow.

Oh and did I mention I did it on the Dreaded TM! :earseek: Yup! I read about a quarter of the book Three to Get Deadly (evanovich), All of IRobot, and then I struggled so just quit reading or watching TV. Whew! I even took a cold soak brrr!

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Please tell me WHY we are subjecting ourselves to this torture?? :confused3



http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5df30b3127cce9e449da00f8200000015108Ibs2jhozb4


It's all about the medal! :teeth:

[TEK224]

Lisa - I know. I really want that Goofy medal. I'm just nervous about how and if I will be able to finish. Hoping my body will adapt.

A few things I learned today:

Fuel up - I think that was why I had the problem at mile 9-10. Just needed some more fuel.

Don't forget the tissues! I did. So does it make me an athlete if I just blew my nose on the ground? (Just like the pix I sometimes see in Runners World mag or the tri-mags? :rolleyes:

Get out of the car gingerly after driving home from a long walk/run. :)

Terri

[wiskband]

Hi all............... been gone a while I was just wondering.................
will you all be running...............walking..............or both?


renee

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I'm doing intervals...most likely 4:1--run 4 minutes, walk one minute and repeat until finished :).

[princessmomma]

So does it make me an athlete if I just blew my nose on the ground? (Just like the pix I sometimes see in Runners World mag or the tri-mags? :rolleyes:


Terri

Oh yeah, go for it! ::yes:: After 9 or 10 miles, anything goes in my book! Boogers on the ground and horking...it is all part of the journey! Gotta love this sport. :banana:

[MelRhoads]

Colleen - I know what farmer blow is, although I've firmly drawn a line there, but what is horking?????

[TEK224]

Renee- I'll be doing a combination of both, although there will be more walking than running, I'm sure.

Terri

[gatorphipps]

Please tell me WHY we are subjecting ourselves to this torture?? :confused3
So why do we subject ourselves to this? Oh yeah -I WANT THAT GOOFY MEDAL!!!

Terri
(pity party is now over!)
The medal is great! But the bragging rights are even better!

Melissa - I am with you! I cannot blow my boogers on the ground (it may be that it would get all over me too). Although all my running buddies (except Bree) do it. Including DH. However, while I was finishing the Marathon this weekend, this liquid stuff was pouring out of my nose and I did not even wipe it off b/c I did not want to waist the energy! I bet my finishing picture is just beautiful! :rotfl:

DD5 is feeling better and off to school. Hope to swim today. Still a little sore frome Saturday but can at least walk normal. Dh did double LRs this weekend (11 & 22) and he is not even sore. He tried to make me feel better by saying we did the same amount of milage (I did 6 & 26.2) and I did the last 26.2 faster than he did. But that doesn't make me feel better. He should be at least stiff. :rolleyes:
I still cannot figure out how to get the pixs from my email to the dis boards. Can anyone help? :badpc:
Christa

[TiffJ]

Wow I missed alot yesterday. Thanks for the advise about the blisters. I got the pedicure 2 months ago. You would think it would be better by now. One heel is starting to calous up. Going to look soooo pretty when I where sandals at WDW. I am going to go thru the boys closets this week to put up summer clothes, but I guess I need to keep some out for WDW. Can you believe it is in less than 5 weeks!!! I am so excited I cant stand it. Who would have ever thought I would be this excited about wogging 13.1 miles and getting up at 3:00 a.m. to do it ?!?!


xterratri- gorgeous pics!

Lisa-love the medal pic! Next year I may have to go for the Mickey. If I get Donald & Minnie, it wouldnt be a complete set without it , right?

Lily- awesome job on the LR :cheer2:

Kathy- great job on your LR. I cant believe you did it in that cooooold weather. You're a true athlete now :Pinkbounc

Helen- thanks, I'll try the tape next weekend.

Honkers, boogies & going to the store sweaty & gross. This sport has turned us into some classy broads, eh? :rotfl2:

Have a great week everyone!

[gatorphipps]

Hi all............... been gone a while I was just wondering.................
will you all be running...............walking..............or both?


renee
Hey Renee! I run to the mile markers then walk 1 minute. Will do this the whole race. Are you running the 1/2, full, or both? I am doing both. However, I do have to say near the end, running feels better for me than walking. Good luck!
Christa

[princessmomma]

Colleen - I know what farmer blow is, although I've firmly drawn a line there, but what is horking?????

First of all I do not do the farmer blow, but a modified more dignified lady-life version of it...and of course when NO ONE is around. It is amazing what we share with each other. As for horking, just imagine you have flem deep in your throat (especially after a stuffy chest cold) ...you need to expel of it somehow...

[msblrobs]

Helen - I struggle with the emotional aspect of the race also. I've cried too many times already just looking at DH's race packet. :love: I cried during the 2005 marathon and DH has already been warned since he'll be running the 1/2 with me. Just expect the tears...Great job on your 20 miler!!

Kathy - Yeah on your LW!! I feel your pain in regards to the NY weather. My treadmill is acting up and my biggest fear is that I will be forced to train outside.

Crazy4Pooh- I'm still waiting for my packet too. The sick irony is that DH has had his for 3 weeks now...

Terri - Congrats on the 13.1. I hope you're feeling better today. That Goofy medal is all the inspiration you'll need. I'm right there with you girl!!

Lily - yeah on the 18 miles!!

10 for me on Saturday and 20 on Sunday. No ill-effects today. :cheer2: The treadmill is acting up, so DH has to call for service. Therefore, I'll be going to the Y today for my run. Way too cold for me to run outside. I really want my packet and my race numbers!! I am getting SO excited and cannot believe it is merely a month away. I can't wait to meet you guys. Happy training to you all:banana:

[wtpclc]

:guilty: :guilty: :guilty:
Well, for the first time since I started, I failed on a L-LR. I'm hopin git was because, except for about 15 minutes, I was in 6 inches of snow, or icelike glass or 3-4 inches of frozen slush. Every step was taken cautiously and required a ton of effort. Dh quit at 15.5 with me. My legs never warme up it was btwn 21 and 28 while we ran. We could hardly walk when we stopped. DH wants to find cheap plane tickets to somewhere snow-less for our 20, because I just don't think we can do 20 in those conditions if we couldn't do 18. Now I'm scared.

I think it was lIly who did it on her TM. Wow. I just don't know if I could do it indoors (TM or track). I still have nightmares from running 2 indoors. Between teh dryness of teh air an dthe many circles, I just don't think I can mentally take that. (Not that I have access to either of those anyway.)

Forgive the downer post, it's just so close and it really does scare me. I've been going on teh "MfM hasn't failed me yet" feeling. I still don't know if it was just the snow and slush and cold, or taking my Gu too late at mile 13 or just that I really have missed too many runs during the week due to my hip. On the bright side, my hip feels ok today. The plan is just too work really hard the next 2 weeks and pray for reasonable weather for the 20. Let's hope that works. Last year and this year are the only years I can remeber the snow sticking before Christmas. I figured havign last year as a fluke would be a sign that the weather this year would be good. Yeah, right. We're supposed to get another 5 to 7 tonight. :guilty:

Congrats to everyone else who made it, and some under pretty nasty conditions too! :cheer2:

[wiskband]

Hey Renee! I run to the mile markers then walk 1 minute. Will do this the whole race. Are you running the 1/2, full, or both? I am doing both. However, I do have to say near the end, running feels better for me than walking. Good luck!
Christa
Hi, well I have been training myself to run 2 miles then walk 2 minutes.I trained like this last year as well however, I did not follow it! to be honest, once I got there I really tryed to run the whole thing of course I couldn't so I ran as far as I could then walked. lol. I am proabably gonna try and use the makers as well......... perhaps run to one or two then walk. I ended up (last year) using other people as markers. lol and trying to stay somewhat near the same people ( like playing catch up).
anyway, I will be doing the half (only) and so far, my only goal is to finish in better time than I did last year (3:01:30). i also found than after a period of time, running feels better to me than walking.
see ya there.


renee

[aladdinsgirl]

Happy Monday! I've been meaning to get on here all weekend, just never found the time. Well, I took the plunge this weekend: I took my very first ice bath. :cold: It was pretty much awful, but I wasn't sore the rest of the day and I wasn't sore at all on Sunday, so I guess it was worth it. I took Carrie's advice (at least I'm giving her credit for it :) ) and I sat in the empty tub and let the water fill up around me, I was wearing my Tinker Bell fleece, to make me feel the Disney magic and while I was soaking, I read Runner's World--to make me feel like an athlete! :teeth: That was the longest 10 minutes!! And when I got out, my legs were all red and splotchy, but I'm a believer now. :goodvibes

I had 9 miles on Saturday. It was rough. I finished in 1:52:03, I was pleased with that, especially since I felt like I was running and walking way slower than that. I'm not sure if it was the cold weather, having to leave my nice warm house, or the fact that I knew I had 2 hours of running ahead of me, but I was in a funk the whole 9 miles. I just didn't feel like being out there, I was sick of running, I was vowing to never run again after the half in January. But you know what, when my Garmin hit 9:00, my first thought was: I could have gone another 4.1 miles. :teeth:

Christa-- :cheer2: :cheer2: on your marathon!!! You definitely are the big :dog:. How did Bree do? Let her know that we miss her!

Lily--Yea on the 18 miles!!! :banana: :banana: All of you full marathoners amaze me--you guys ran or walked 18 miles this weekend. 18 Miles!!!!!! That is a long way! We have all worked so hard for the past however many months and we all deserve our medals. :cheer2: :cheer2: for us!!

Helen--I plan on bringing lots of tissues with me as I am a VERY emotional person. Sometimes I start crying during my training runs just because I can't believe I'm actually doing it.

Carrie-- :wizard: :wizard: for you and the arctic weather. I hope you are able to figure something out for your 20 miler.

Cam--I can't believe you walked 8 miles on the treadmill. Wow! 1 hour is my absolute limit. That must have been one smutty book to keep you going!!

Heather-- :wizard: for today at work.

To everyone still waiting for your packet--I feel your pain! Stephen and I just got our packets on Saturday, at first I didn't realize it was our marathon packets, because it looked like a magazine. It wasn't until I got in the house and started going through the mail when I realized what it was. I was like this: :dancer: :dancer: . :teeth:

Okay, I think I'm going to start working now. I'm going to start keeping notes when I read through the thread, there's always so much more I want to say, but I always forget when I go to post. Everyone be careful training this week, use common sense and good judgement. If the roads are bad or you have an injury, skipping one or two short runs aren't going to hurt you in the long, but a broken ankle just might!

Krista princess:

[MelRhoads]

Colleen - I actually bring tissue. I can only farmer sniff (that doesn't really work!) I am dying to hear what the more dignified version is!

Christa - I was planning on walking for about 40 - 60sec at each water station!

I really should do some physical activity today. I probably will not. I have not done anything since last weeks LR!

[Calcio]

Warning: Disgusting Events and Crude Comments To Follow :teeth:

I wanted to drop in with a word of how proud I am of EVERYBODY here who is working and will stand with me in the starting corrals on January 7 and/or January 8. Some of you are having up weeks, others down, but you are working, improving, building, and getting stronger. You make me proud.

I felt this particularly strongly Friday afternoon, when I was running 61 laps on our College's 200 meter indoor track. As I arrived and began to stretch, our baseball team also began to trickle in. I started and was clipping along, and they sort of stretched and sort of loosened up. I joke not, I had done 30 laps before they stepped on to run their 1 MILE time trial.

What I saw was absolutely appalling. These guys are way younger than all of us, but they certainly are not athletes (yes, you all are!) and they are not fit. They started fast, and most quickly began to fade. My favorite part was the 3 guys who stopped and vomited. One made it to the trash can, but 2 were on their hands and knees, chucking it all over the track. I had almost 30 laps left to go, so I spent my remaining time watching for the 2 danger spots on each lap, avoiding the gift the baseball players left on the track.

The "performance" of the baseball players shouldn't have been a surprise. Although young, they looked flabby and completely out of shape before they began, and their running showed this to be true. It's a good thing I'm not the baseball coach. I'd tell them until they drop those beer bellies and can keep up with one of us for say, 10 miles, they can forget about getting on the baseball field.

I relayed this story to my daughter and her comments were, "yes, the baseball players spend all of their time drinking beer and acting stupid, so I'm not surprised some cannot even run one mile."


So . . . if anyone ever questions if you are an athlete or not, or comments on your pace perhaps being slow over 13 or 26 miles, simply tell them "you try it sometime."

33 days until the half. I cannot wait. I looked in my running log last year, and because of the injuries I had only 2 10+ runs before the half. So far I have 8 strong runs of 10 or more in the log, and I'll get 2 more before the race. I have no idea what will happen during the full, but I'm way more fit than I was last year.

Keep your spirits up. We're getting near the race. The training is work, the race is pure fun.

Craig

[kaf7878]

Hi Everyone--

You are all doing amazing! Great job--this is crunch time so stick with it for a couple more weeks and then the sweet, sweet taper begins.

Craig, you are so right abt "athletes" today. Most don't have any endurance. My brother always rags on my pace (10-11 min miles) yet he doesn't run at all---hello??? It used to make me mad but I know how much stronger I am than most people out there being able to run the miles I run.

Here is a HILARIOUS story for you all. DH and I decided to really practice our race strategies now that we know where the marathon fuel stops will be. So Friday I was out looking for Powergel packets. For some reason I have been having a hard time finding there. I went to a health food store and they had a zillion bars but no gels. I asked the guy (20s) if they had any and he said no.

Then he says "Those are so bad for you though." I'm really wondering what reason he's going to give for this so I indulged him and asked "Why?" So he says, "Well its more for example hockey players in between periods of the game or if you were going to run a mile and then run one more mile you would take it between those miles. For very serious athletes." I said, "Well I'm running 16 miles tomorrow so I guess I qualify" Ha!

Anyway, it was really funny but obviously I must not look like I can run a mile and to him running two miles is like us doing a marathon!

My 16 miles was great though!!

Kelly

[keenercam]

Hi, everyone! Just a quick note to relay something I read in my team penguin digest today from someone doing the goofy. I hadn't thought of this, though I am POSITIVE all our "GOOFY" WISHers have considered it. They are all bringing 2 pairs of shoes, in case it (God forbid!) rains on Saturday. I guess it is also important if your feet get hot and sweaty and your shoes get wet after 13 miles. Hopefully, if I were considering events back to back, I would have thought of this. But it does also remind me that I want to bring a second pair of sneakers for doing the parks afterwards, to give my feet a "break" from my event shoes.

[Tiger Lily 03]

I am amazed that right now I don’t really hurt. I thought I would be broke. Last year I was after my first ever half. I have come a LONG way! WE have come a LONG way!

Cam, thanks for that reminder of extra shoes. I am certainly bringing extras along with probably my ENTIRE running wardrobe so I can decide what to wear that night before.

Carrie, please don’t feel too down. You can do it! You have been doing it. I am certain it was the weather conditions you were in. You worked massively hard to just go forward, like running in the sand. I like the idea of a warm weekend getaway to run the longest LR!

Renee, your plan sounds great.

Krista, Yay! On the cold bath. I am a believer now too.

Terri, Lisa is right. It’s all about the jewelry! (And bragging rights, but the jewelry oh yes it's all about the jewelry!)

Craig, you said it!

Kelli, Thanks to you too for continuing on inspiring.

Honkers, boogies & going to the store sweaty & gross. This sport has turned us into some classy broads, eh? :rotfl2: Picture this, I am sitting here right now all “pretty and lady like” at work having thoughts of:
stonkers, Boogers on the ground and horking, farmer blow, honkers, boogies, sausage pants, chaffing in “those awkward places”, “runs” not the running kind, blisters—no pedicures, going to the store sweaty & gross, cold baths, tears of sadness, tears of joys, and all sorts of things we have shared.

It is amazing what we share with each other. Yes it certainly is. We have become a team! :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

Thunder, thunder, thunderation!
We’re the WISH group delegation.
When we move with determination,
We create a GREAT sensation!

[wtpclc]

Then he says "Those are so bad for you though." I'm really wondering what reason he's going to give for this so I indulged him and asked "Why?" So he says, "Well its more for example hockey players in between periods of the game or if you were going to run a mile and then run one more mile you would take it between those miles. For very serious athletes." I said, "Well I'm running 16 miles tomorrow so I guess I qualify" Ha!


:rotfl: :rotfl: Oh, I wish you had come at him with a "Actually, I usually do them at miles 4, 8 and 12."

Craig - I've always thought of pro players as having beer bellies, but college? That's sad. It does make me feel better to know I can perform better than a supposed college "athelete", though.

LIly - Thanks, I needed that. I really need to get teh brain back in gear before the 20-miler too. Your post has helped, though.

For those of you who are now cold bath believers, I'm sorry. Please don't trip me duuring the race. ;) I'm glad it's helped you too. Just wish there was a better way! FYI - I'm pretty sure it's Lisa who first shared the joy with me. :teeth:

Congrats to solo! Looks like he'll be training in Alabama next weekend (and maybe late this week?). Too bad that can't be the 20-miler weekend! (then you'd have a couple stow-aways too!)

[TEK224]

Cam - thanks for the reminder about the sneakers. I did think of that . I'm planning on bringing 3 pair and I'll decide which too I'll wear for the races. Also bringin a pair for just walking around the parks/resorts.

I don't feel too bad today. A little tired, but not that sore. Except for some minor chaffing. Anybody else have that problem? How do you handle it. I usually use body glide (forgot yesterday). Sometimes it works. Other time I think it wears out on the long runs.

wptclc - hang in there. I was feeling pretty bad yesterday myself. Not as bad today. Keep working for the next few weeks, then taper and we'll all be ready to go. I'm hoping the adrenaline race on each day will help propel me along.

Carrie - great job on your marathon! :cheer2: :cheer2:
Terri

[princessmomma]

:
LIly - Thanks, I needed that. I really need to get teh brain back in gear before the 20-miler too.



Carrie, think of it this way, everyone is going to have one really terrible, stonker, torturous long run in her training. My DH's first marathon training went great and never had a bad long run in training, well guess what, he saved it for the actually marathon! So, be glad you got your bad LR out of the way! One more 20 miler for us and the rest is smooth sailing.

Colleen

[plutosmyfav]

Carrie-- don't give it another thought! Running on ice, through snow and slush is at least TWICE as hard as running on dry ground. Your experience is not a reflection of your ability, just the conditions. You won't be running through snow and slush at Disney!!!!!!!

Kaf-- I went out on a mad dash looking for gels one night and discovered Vitamin World doesn't carry any. I asked the kid at the counter and he just looked at me strange, then I tried to explain what it is and he directed me to some joint supplement :confused3 VitaminShoppe only carries GU. I found a few more choices at a local sports equipment store. I usually order in bulk online.

Horkers = "Huck a Lewey" in my neck of the woods. :rotfl2: I have to say I've never done the farmer's blow either, but my mittens go straight into the wash when I get home :blush:


MelR-- Arkansas is in the news with a happy story!

CONWAY, Ark. - A group of Arkansas college students has set the world record for the world's largest Christmas stocking.

As official representative of Guinness World Records, Stuart Claxton of England flew in from New York to measure the stocking Saturday. And it met, and surpassed, the mark at 53 feet, 10 inches long and 26 feet, 112 inches wide from heel to toe.

The red, white, green and gold sock with the 30-foot zipper beat the previous record set in December 2004 by the community of Old Town Spring, Texas. The Texas stocking was 40 feet, 6 inches long and 15 feet 6 inches wide, Claxton said.

But Claxton said the stocking isn't the first time Arkansans have set a Guinness World Record. Among the state's other accomplishments are the heaviest twins, who weighed a total of 27.12 pounds when they were born Feb. 20, 1924. And a Sherwood man, Daniel Williams, who recorded the longest eyelash, at 2 inches, in June 2005.

Graduating senior Brittany Jones of the University of Central Arkansas and other students created the monstrous sock, using 180 yards of fleece, 27 spools of thread, 350 yards of ribbon, 30 yards of cotton, 25 yards of felt, 103 sticks of hot glue, a half-gallon of fabric paint and more than 500 hours of labor.

They stuffed it with 600 teddy bears, 570 stuffed toys, more than 1,000 toy trucks, 423 Barbie dolls, 380 baby dolls, 682 books, some 200 board games, 163 sets of Legos, 75 footballs, 11 bicycles and thousands more toys. The toys will be distributed through charitable organizations to children around the state.

Before the measuring, workers pushed wagons and dollies loaded with toys and rode bicycles into the stocking. Promoters also reported more than 500 coats, hats and assorted clothes were donated.

While an Elvis impersonator crooned Christmas songs, cameras flashed, and Santa Claus listened to wishes from children, Claxton and a helper used a yellow tape measure and a long red level to size up the sock. For a stocking to qualify, it had to be made with traditional materials and be filled with presents.


Cool!

[solotraveler]

Can someone PLEASE make it stop snowing!!! :rolleyes:



Congrats to solo! Looks like he'll be training in Alabama next weekend (and maybe late this week?). Too bad that can't be the 20-miler weekend! (then you'd have a couple stow-aways too!)

Yes, yes I will. Leave Wednesday evening and come back Sunday morning. Thanks for the congrats. Could be our second National Championship in eight days-- volleyball took home the crown this past Saturday.

Craig- In terms of athletes, I think that baseball players are an exception to the usual fitness rules. After all, they do a whole lot of standing in one spot-- and then half of the game they are sitting in the dugout. That said, seriously-- a mile?!? Yikes.

I am hoping to be able to get good training in this weekend. I had to shorten what was supposed to be my 18 miler this weekend due to time constraints. Working so much is leaving me so energy-drained I just don't know what to do about it. I leave in 30 days for the marathon and I'm starting to get nervous.

This month leading up to the marathon is just crazy: Alabama for work this weekend (Wed-Sun). Then, I'll be in Toronto 12/15-12/19, run my 20 miler on 12/20 (3 days late), fly home to DC 12/25-12/27, fly to Ottawa 12/30-1/1, then leave for Orlando 1/4/06. I guess the best plan for training is make the most of the miles I can put in and lower my pace expectations a bit. Any thoughts??

OK, back to the grind--
Happy training all!
Solotraveler :earsboy:

[littlegreydonkey]

Hey - good idea re the shoes, the boyf will be carrying extra socks, a pair of flip flops and a can of red bull in his support crew kit in case I need to swap anything at 24 miles - what do you think they'd think if I crossed the line in my flip flops. In fact, if anyone wants to recognise me after the race I'll be the one wearing flip flops even if it's sub zero temps. I have to get those trainers off as soon as I stop - I'll hopefully also be prowling the parks exposed of foot the week before (I can walk miles in a flip flop) as my 'holiday' trainers that pack nice and lightly actually cause me to fall over if the ground is wet (as I've discovered in Sydney, Singapore and Seaworld!!!) and I've not come this far to be beaten by slippy shoes.

As for 'secretion exhalation', I spend my entire life sniffing and snuffling due to allergies and so would have to travel with entire loo rolls (see past dictionary definition) so I'm there snorting on the floor - the only problem is, you know we drive on a different side from you guys, well race etiquette also sees us 'snorting' on a different side and I'm seriously going to have to remember where I'm running on that one!!! On that image, I shall sign off - Helen

[MelRhoads]

We are actually supposed to get snow on wed. If it doesn't cancel preschool on thurs (which is often cancelled just based on snow in forecast) i'll do 15. we are doing an out and back that takes us into another town and into the rural areas. Anyway, the point of all this is, I asked EC as we were planning "Are we running by the pig and the donkey?" She responded "yeah, don't forget to bring your camera this time so you can take a picture for your board" I just wanted to give everyone something to look forward to! :rotfl2:

Carrie - I think you did great! I'm sure you can add miles just based on the conditions!

[perfectmatch300]

I have been way behind on checking in here since we got home from our trip. Probably should have just jumped in instead of trying to catch up with everything I missed while we were gone - which I STILL have not managed to do! :earseek:

I am still plugging along here like the little pup that I am. I have done a lot of walking for me the past few days and I am pleased to report that I have actually found myself passing some people on my walks instead of always being the one getting passed! Now if I can just stay with it then maybe, just maybe I will really be ready for the 2007 half! You guys really do keep me going!

[gatorphipps]

I ended up (last year) using other people as markers. lol and trying to stay somewhat near the same people ( like playing catch up).
anyway, I will be doing the half (only) and so far, my only goal is to finish in better time than I did last year (3:01:30). i also found than after a period of time, running feels better to me than walking.
see ya there.
renee
Renee - Last year this is how Bree and I did it. We would pick poor soul to pass then pass them. Well I did this and dragged Bree into my sick game of passing. But it got us to the finish. That is a great 1/2 time! :wizard: for this year!

Christa - I was planning on walking for about 40 - 60sec at each water station!
Melissa -This is what I will end up doing too! I try to train mile by mile. This worked Saturday @ CHarlotte!

Craig - I loved your story! My gag reflex would have kicked in everytime I passed by the throw-up! I did gag as I read it too!

Anyway, it was really funny but obviously I must not look like I can run a mile and to him running two miles is like us doing a marathon!
Kelly - All I can say is that boy is stupid! I hate it when people talk to me and cannot believe I run. Just b/c I am not a stick. I am meaty even though my body fat is low! :rotfl: That is why I can run LONG! :banana:

Christa

[Jodi]

Gee. I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets rid of the extra stuff from my nose by blowing it out as I run. My DS & I call them SNOT ROCKETS!! And to think, I didn't want you guys to know :rotfl:

Carrie - I have to say it with everyone else. Do not worry about that stonker, it was a miracle you even dragged yourself out there in that kind of weather & finished what you did. I hate running in that crud.

After my LR on sat. (8miles) I had that wicked pain in my knees that woke me up again. Ibuprofen didn't touch it, & that usually works for me very well. Aleve doesn't help me at all. So, my sister, ironically enough, gave me 2 Tylenol 500 to try. Well, I'm not a big advocate of ANY pain killers, but i'll be doggoned if I didn't sleep through the night last night! And it lasted until about 11 a.m. Then the knees starting protesting a bit again. Right now, after my 60 min. run this afternoon, my knees are throbbing. I don't want to take the Tylenol again, but I'll keep it by my bedside in case I wake up in the night. I need to sleep.

Hey, do you guys think I should do that cold-bath-torture-thingie after just an 8 mile or 10 mile run? You guys usually do it after a megamile run, right? Think it'd help my knees, 'cause I'm not really sore the next day (a little stiff in the thighs & butt) except for my knees.

Craig - College "athletes" barfing after 1 mile?? That's pathetic. And not making it to the garbage can? Come on!

Christa - Good deal on that marathon. One day I hope to run one.

Solo - I got tired just READING your schedule. Holy cow. I guess, just run when you can, & don't forget to get good sleep.

[gatorphipps]

OK! DH has tried to figure out how to post pictures and cannot do it. I have asked twice. Maybe 3 times is a charm.
HELP!
I want to post some pics! Wah, Wah, Wah! :sad: :sad: :sad:
Christa

[princessmomma]

HELP!
I want to post some pics! Wah, Wah, Wah! :sad: :sad: :sad:
Christa

And we want to see them! :wave2:

Sorry, I can't help.

Jodi, oh yeah, do the ice bath, it actually feels quite therapeutic after the first 5 minutes.

I actually do a cold, hot, cold, hot routine.

15 minutes in cold tub followed by a hot shower and then a 10 minute plunge back in the cold tub (be sure to add more ice) then finish off with a hot shower. The second ice bath actually feels great. I feel really good today considering my 18 mile torture on Saturday.

Colleen

[MelRhoads]

Christa - You can join sony image station and put the album on their site, then post a link. Lizdotcom told me how, but i think that is the way lily did it too.

I found the greatest lime green t-shirts. Too bad they are cotton, but you must see them anyway (don't worry carrie, it is just a funny)

Awesome WISH team shirts for future races (http://www.cafepress.com/shop/sports/browse/store/teampr.14269585)

Sunny - is this place on the sunnyshopper? It looks awesome!!

[wtpclc]

Morning all! I htink I had the best Monday run ever last night. DH is sick, so it was just me the mp3 and the snow. Good chance to think.

Well, as I ran the LIon King came to mind. Pumba told me to put the past behind me and then Rafiki came up and hit me on the head and told me teh 18-miler doesn't matter, it's in teh past. Some good tunes on the mp3, including Ice Princess (thanks again Cam) and life is better again. I was slow, but well above sweeper time. WIth the wind I ran against the 1st half, I'll take it. Nothing but looking ahead from now on. Thanks for your encouraging words! Here are a few from earlier in training that bear repeating:

Reach
Sometimes it seems like you’re falling
Falling out of the sky
Sometimes it feels like you’re slipping
And running out of time
And that’s when you’ve gotta throw it all away
All of the things that people say
And all of the doubts that fill your mind
Don’t belong there

Whatever you do, you’ll never be wrong
As long as you reach for it
When you reach for it, nothings to far
And its never to long, as long as you reach for it
You can dream on it, everywhere its there

Sometimes I can be stupid
I can get out of line
But most times you know what I’m doing
Its not like some big surprise
Oh and I, I just want to make you understand
That failing on me isn’t in my plans
And all of the doubts that fill my mind
don’t belong there. stlyrics

Whatever you do, you’ll never be wrong
As long as you reach for it
When you reach for it, nothings to far
And its never to long, as long as you reach for it
You can dream on it, everywhere

There’s so much distance
Between what you want and what you’ve got
But if you really want it-its your life
So you gotta try
You’ve gotta fly

Whatever you do, you’ll never be wrong
You can reach for it
You can reach for it

Its never to far and its never to long
As long as you reach for it. stlyrics
You can dream on it, everywhere
Everywhere
Everywhere
Everywhere


Cute shirt Melr!

To post a pic, I use Photobucket.com (http://www. Photobucket.com). It's free. You set up an account. Upload your pic. It will give you an img code under the pic. Just copy and paste that here.

jodi - If only your knees hurt, I'd go with ice direct on them. The cold bath will help the cold and stifness too, though.

[plutosmyfav]

Lynn-- I meant to comment on your photos earlier. I love Maine! Growing up my family spent most of our summer vacation on Mt. Desert Island. It is beautiful country. And you guys look like an energetic bunch!!! I don't know how you find time to study!

MelR-- THanks for the tip, I just added cafepress to my alphabetized list on sunnyshopper :) I love the shirt! I'm almost tempted to get it even though its cotton!

Carrie-- So glad you wiped away the stonker with a 'best ever" run last night! Great lyrics, too.

Helen-- I think finishing in flip-flops would be a riot! Your finish photos would have them. I say go for it :rotfl:

I did 8.2 miles on the TM last night. I set it at .5% incline and 6.2 mph and left it there for the whole run. It was fairly effortless. Today will be weights.

Sunny

[plutosmyfav]

MelR-- that site is so cool! I put our WISH logo on the lime green T, it should appear here:

Just for Fun (http://www.cafepress.com/cp/members/products/preview.aspx?s=277307.0)

Oh the possibilities...

[keenercam]

Christa -- I uploaded my pictures to www.imagestation.com. Then I right-clicked on the picture I wanted to post here, went to properties, copied the link, and then came here and clicked on the little "mountain" icon (in the post reply or advanced posting screen). It is the "insert image" icon. There will be a little pop-up where you insert the image link.

Like this:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid172/p4606acf72596f0f60a61cc81333860fb/f3c58db1.jpg.thumb.jpg

[wtpclc]

You know, when I first found cafe press I almost cried. (Just after I ordered the shirts) Then I found out they were all cotton. Fhew!

ETA: Sunny, I couldn't get there. It mad eme open an account and then wanted me to set up my own shop.

[gatorphipps]

WTPCLC - THANK YOU THANK YOU THANKYOU! :goodvibes :Pinkbounc :love:
Here are 3 pics from the marathon! All my non-running friends don't care so I have to show the pics to you guys and gals.

I am 537 and in white with a cheezy smile! Bree is in Red (cannot see her real good. There are some others around who will run goofy. The guy in dark blue is Marc and the guy in Yellow is Ricky. This is the start of the race.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d146/ChristaPhipps/thunder-road_start.jpg

Me in white, Bree in red, the guy is Ross. He paced me. Notice the hill we are going UP! This is how the whole race was. This was mile 4 or 5.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d146/ChristaPhipps/thunder-road_providence-rd.jpg

DH (looking tired) at car. DD5 in red Mickey sweat shirt. Bree's DH taking picture. Bree in red with back toward picture. This is mile 14.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d146/ChristaPhipps/thunder-road_mi14.jpg

Bree has not been able to get on the boards b/c she just moved and has not set up her computer. She told me to tell you Hey. She finished the Marathon in 5:13. She cramped real bad around mile 18 b/c she did not drink enough! But she was able to finish the race! :Pinkbounc :cheer2:

Melissa - Great shirt! I LOVE it.

I ran a little ove 3 today on the icy streets of Charlotte. My legs are still tired from the marathon. DH ran 4 something. He left me behind. :rolleyes:

Christa

[wtpclc]

I can't believe you 2 just did a marathona nd are going to do the Goofy in a month! Yikes! Talk about your big :dog2: :dog: !

[Tiger Lily 03]

Sunny, I tried to find your example too.No luck. :(

Christa, seems like you have good advice about the pics! Love them!

[msblrobs]

Christa: Congrats to you & Bree on the marathon. Awesome pics!!

[plutosmyfav]

OK, here's another link.

This time, I put "Scream Team" on the back of the shirt in case anyone actually would like to order a shirt for friends/family.

WISH Scream Team T (http://www.cafepress.com/277307.40115646)

Sunny

[plutosmyfav]

Christa and Bree-- Love the photos! You two ROCK :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

[MelRhoads]

Christa - Awesome pics. You look so happy!! I'm glad we were able to see a pic of your little one! She is adorable. I have really been wondering about the guy that irritated Bree by saying that he was going to do the marathon this year and did not plan to train. Did he show up and did he finish?

Cam - is that you in the little pic? Make it bigger so we can see you!!!

[MelRhoads]

Sunny - you are a computer genius!!!!!!!! I love the scream team shirt!

[gatorphipps]

OK, here's another link.

This time, I put "Scream Team" on the back of the shirt in case anyone actually would like to order a shirt for friends/family.

WISH Scream Team T (http://www.cafepress.com/277307.40115646)

Sunny
Sunny! I LOVE that shirt! I need to tell Bree about it. Her DH is our Scream Team!
COOL!
Christa

[keenercam]

Okay, trying to figure out why I can't size that picture up. Here are the ones I posted a while ago for my before and "in progress" shots. The first was pre-WISH and the second was late March of this year. Guess I need a more current "in progress" shot.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid158/p893630ecf8c37d2404032705399e7fce/f51d8d7b.jpghttp://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid172/p4606acf72596f0f60a61cc81333860fb/f3c58db1.jpg

ETA: now I can't figure out how to make them smaller. Some teacher I am, right? :confused3

[keenercam]

Sunny -- I LOVE the shirt! Maybe I could get Howard to wear it when he is finished an hour+ ahead of me? :rotfl:

[wtpclc]

You look great Cam! Can't wait to see a more recent "in progress" shot!

[gatorphipps]

Cam - Love the pics. You are AWESOME!

I just love seeing pics of everyone I have "met" on this board. It is SO exciting to see where we were when we 1st started, where we are now, and where we are going to be Jan 7th and 8th!
:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: for us!
Christa

[keenercam]

All right. I am having serious computer issues with my 3 week old laptop. Didn't even realize an earlier post didn't post. Trying this again.

Carrie -- I am so glad you posted the words again to one of my favorite songs. That is in my 1/2 marathon mix and says all sorts of important things.

Sunny -- having just done 8 miles on the TM at 4 mph on Saturday, I am impressed that you did 6.2 with an INCLINE! for 8.2. :worship:

Christa -- Your pix are great! You have the BEST smile! Your little one is a cutie! Geez, I cannot believe mine used to be that small. Now I worry about her driving in the snow! :rolleyes: BTW, are you old enough to have one that age? I hope I don't offend anyone, but it looks like you must have started your family when you were 12 or something! ;)

I've started a 1/2 marathon inspirational saying document and I am going to start cutting them out and pasting them everywhere I will see them all day. Every time I start thinking about the fact that we are just over 4 weeks away, I get a little freaked out. My sayings include the two in Christa's signature and "NO DAY BUT TODAY". Anyone want to make any suggestions?

Carrie -- Here is a groupshot of our DIS friends and us at Hilton Head over Thanksgiving (Howard is behind me): http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid195/p9f58f05915b66c90508ae5ec61c27742/f129dec7.jpg

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Great pic, Cam!

If they are DIS friends--would you mind sharing who's who?

[zoegirl]

HEY EVERYBODY!!!!!!!

I have missed you all sooooo much!! I have been having the craziest month of my life. Let's see I've been on vacation, moved twice, and been training for the goofy. I am so ready for january to get here!!

Thanks to those of you that have asking about me. Christa has passed along your well wishes, and I appreciate them. I must make DH get my computer set up this weekend, and I should also create a path to get to it seeing as it is in a room that we haven't even touched since our move. I'm "sneaking" on the boards on my lunch break today. :) It's been so hectic we have talked about not even putting up a tree this year, but as I sit here in listening to Christmas music I've decided I can't do that. Christmas only comes once a year, and I think I might regret not decorating just a little bit.

So you've heard about our marathon last weekend huh? Well first of all let me tell you about our girl Christa... er, uh I mean the Evil Queen. She absolutley KNOCKED IT OUT!!!! She not only is my Evil Queen but she is now also my hero. I am so proud of her. She is the most determined person I have ever met, she not only finished within the time she set for herself but she finished almost 40 minutes faster than she predicted! WAY TO GO CHRISTA!!! YOU'RE THE BIGGEST :dog2: I KNOW!!!

Ok so now to me. First of all this was my 4th marathon and I finished faster than any race I've done so far. Right at 5:14. My goal was to finish in less than 5 but I cramped very badly at mile 17 and had to walk a bit more than I wanted to. Let me give you all a piece of advice...now I know that we've been giving each other advice all along but I want you to read this and take it seriously.....when you are running the race in 32 days...you must...and I mean MUST...drink lots...and drink often!!!!! That was what killed me in my race last weekend. I didn't even drink 40 oz. the whole race. When you hear the "experts" say that you will cramp if you don't drink they are right. I knew this but in my disgust at the thought of one more sip of gatorade decided to not drink. Needless to say at mile 20 I looked at DFIL and said I feel like I'm going to either cry or vomit..or maybe just both. He just smiled, rubbed my sholders a bit and told me to keep pushing forward.

So I am pleased at my time, but very disappointed in myself for being so stupid. Learn from my mistake folks and don't make the same one.

I'm glad to see most of you guys are on the tail end of your training. We should all have about one more L-LR to go then we taper... :cool1:

I hope to talk to you all soon!!

~bree~

[wtpclc]

My gosh Cam, you are melting away!!!!! Your latest pic look even awsomer!!! :teeth: I second LIsa, do tell other names.

[keenercam]

Great pic, Cam!

If they are DIS friends--would you mind sharing who's who?

I'd love to, but they aren't WISHers and I'm not sure they've posted pix anywhere. They all hang out on the DVC board. Here's a hint, though. If you look for the thread about who is going to HH at Thanksgiving, you'll know who was at Surfmen's Station for that Wednesday night DIS meet. Mysterious, right? ;)
Thanks, Carrie! You are sooo sweet! You made me feel like :banana: !
:cloud9:

BTW -- Howard was sweet enough to upload our pix to imagestation and I made time to caption them, in case you'd like to see. I'm wondering if you will be able to see the album if you go here: HH 2005 Album (http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2116532253)

[mazzypig]

Here's my story: :wave2: I impulsively signed up for the WDW half-marathon to force myself to get in shape (the Disney part of the half-marathon was the reward). Now we're 4 weeks out and I'm starting to freak out because I don't feel ready...I haven't received my packet of info...I'm going by myself...and I have no idea what I'm doing! :hourglass

At this point my highest training level has been 7 miles on a treadmill, walking the majority (I have it set on a decent incline)...but I haven't run in the past 4 days because I have felt unusually tired (my son is sick so I might be tired due to a virus). I feel that I can walk for days, but I'm worried about making the 16 minute pace consistently. I started checking the Disboards yesterday to see if anyone else is experiencing similar feelings (misery loves company)...

Oh, and what is the Minnie Marathon I see on peoples' signature blocks?

[gatorphipps]

Bree - Glad to have you back! You were AWESOME Saturday @ the marathon. You also crack me up calling me the evil queen and such!

Cam - LOVE the newest pic of you and Howard. You are melting away! What drive you must have. So proud of you! :banana:
I also LOVE you for saying how young I look. I tell everyone I am 25 but that is a lie. I will have to let youguys try and see if you can figure out my age like you figured out Sunny's name. :rotfl: I need to post a pic of my DD7.5. She is blond. (Where did that come from.)

OMG - I just ate a whole bag of Milano Mint cookies! :earseek: I am so cold setting here at my desk trying to get work done. I made some coffee and was dipping a few cookies in the coffee. But I just ate the WHOLE bag. How did that happen? :confused3 There are 8 servings and it is 7 grams of fat per serving! OMG!!!!!! I am a PIG! I need to run 3 marathons.....Oh I tallied up my WW exercize points for the marathon. I got 26 points that day and I know I did not eat them. Maybe that will off set all these cookies I just ate!

Christa

[wtpclc]

Welcome Mazzy! DO you have a program you're on? Most of us are using Marathoning for MOrtals by John Bingham. I believe the prescribed mileage for teh half ofr last Saturday was 8. I don't know about this saturday, but next should be 10. You'll want to have at least 1 run a week that's at that longer mileage. Are you doing the 7 multiple times a week? If so, you are preobbaly more than on track.

I'm doing the full, so I don't know what the halfers are doing during the week, but I'm sure someone will be around soon to help!

[aladdinsgirl]

Just wanted to pop on here real quick to hi. I "cross trained" last night by baking Christmas cookies. :rotfl:

Carrie--Last week I did 9 miles, this week 6, and next week 10 for the MFM half program.

Cam--You look GREAT!!! How much weight have you lost? I hope you are celebrating by going on a huge shopping spree!!

Bree--Good to have you back. I know you feel with the whole Christmas tree ordeal. 2 years ago Stephen and I closed on our house on Dec. 28 and moved in on the 29th, which meant no Christmas tree or baking for us (all of my cooking stuff was packed away), that year it didn't feel like Christmas at all. Congrats on the marathon and your PR!! :cheer2:

Welcome Mazzy!!

I better get back to work, just wanted to say hi and good luck training tonight!!

Krista princess:

[keenercam]

Cam--You look GREAT!!! How much weight have you lost? I hope you are celebrating by going on a huge shopping spree!!


Krista -- Thanks! Over 40 on WISH and 59 total since December. The scale is totally uncooperative these days, but I have 5 sizes worth of clothes in my guestroom that I have to find a home for. I have become addicted to nice clothes in sizes I've never ever worn before. It has been costly to buy stuff in each size but I've found lots of good stuff on ebay. My current dilemma will be to find shorts for WDW in January -- I don't have a single pair that fit except my workout shorts! :goodvibes

Bree -- I am so excited for you that you had a PB for the marathon, but I am sorry you had such a rough time of it. I know this month will be crazy for you. Maybe you could just get a small tree and decorate with popcorn, a string of lights and some mini candy canes. At least you'd have something and you won't have to unpack all your boxes. You can also use any holiday cards you get to decorate with (assuming your forwarding order works okay!)

Christa -- Thank you for your sweet compliment! BTW -- I think it is hysterical that you are eating APs today from Saturday! I have done that too. :rotfl: I have to say I was very reassured to hear how much our tiny little Sunny is able to eat during training. It gives me hope that when I hit my goal weight, I will be able to eat normal food, as long as I am willing to exercise like heck, like the big :dog: :dog: I haven't had a mint milano in sooo long. I used to be addicted to them in college--now that I think about it, I am surprised they had those in the dark ages. :teeth:

Mazzy -- I posted on your other thread, but wanted to welcome you here! So glad you found us for the next several weeks' worth of support. I know I couldn't do it without everyone on this thread.

So, any inspirational sayings, anyone? I need many more -- for my office, my fridge, my car, my bedroom mirror, etc. etc.

[lacool]

I did my 16 mile LR today, the first real run I've done since Thanksgiving. The good news is that the rest appears to have helped and I had NO FOOT PAIN AT ALL! I hope I can say the same tomorrow. My knees were another story, but I can deal with them.

I would like to announce myself as the newest member of the "COLD SOAK" club. It was actually more lukewarm than cold, but it'll do for now. Was it Colleen who said she does cold-hot-cold-hot? You are a big :dog2: . I couldn't bring myself to get back into the cold tub after the hot shower. As it was I discovered some new chaffing on my lower back during the hot shower. Gotta look into the Body Glide. Where does one find that?

All in all a successful day. I wanted to complain about the cold. Today's 39 degrees was much colder than I am used to. But after reading about so many of you guys running in ice and snow, I no longer feel I have the right to complain about being a bit chilly.

Keep up the good work, Team! Only two more LRs for me and we are in the home stretch! :jumping1:

[MelRhoads]

Confession time again - I am not a planner in any way!!!! I have a vague idea of what I'm wearing for the races, but when Cam mentioned shorts, I started freaking out. Will i need shorts for the parks???? I thought I could get away with jeans? (I know it is sad. I don't use a scheduler and I only recently purchased a watch for adventure races and the tri training!)

I did my "speedwork" today. I cheated! I could talk the whole time. Oh well, I did get the steps in!!!!!

Cam - not inspirational, but still one of my favorites! I don't know which nascar driver said it, but it is: "if you are not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space"
By the way, your pictures look AWESOME! Can't wait to meet you!

[keenercam]

Melissa -- Didn't mean to send you into a panic. Jeans are probably fine. I just feel a very serious NEED to be in shorts at least once while we are down there, since it should be about 30-40 degrees colder here than there. I am still seriously considering shorts for the 1/2 with throw-away pants over them until it is warm enough.

I love the "living on the edge" quote. OTHERS?

[lacool]

Not really a quote, but it is what got me through my last mile today. I held off putting on the iPod until the last two miles and just as I was on the last half-mile "This is How a Heart Breaks" by Rob Thomas came on. My favorite part:

And I’m steady but I’m starting to shake
And I don’t know how much more I can take

Well, this is it now, everybody get down
This is all I can take
This is how a heart breaks
You take a hit now
You feel it break down
Make you stay wide awake
This is how a heart breaks

It came on at the perfect time and kept me motivated to finish! :banana:

[wtpclc]

lacool - That's great news!!!!

FYI - I've had 2 runs in a row with no hip pain!

Cam - If you're going down sizes, you're doing fine. Don't forget that muscle weighs more than fat, especially now!

MelR - Temps can range frm 20 to 80, so who knows. Chances are you'll be fine in jeans but I'll wear shorts any chance I can get in January!

[TiffJ]

Hi all! These last couple of days have been crazy. I am trying to get my ducks in a row. I hate it when I'm not organized & on top of things.

Today was the first day I really just did not want to walk period! DS doesnt have school today so DH takes him to work & I get him when I'm done. Well on top of that not being real convenient, it was 20 degrees without the windchill & I so was not in the mood for the TM. I decided to skip this walk. I think I'm doing good enough where it will be o.k. I did WATP tape for cardio instead. I can do it at home w/DS & not in the cold.

I cannot believe you guys that go out in the ice & snow. I have gotten to be a weenie about the cold.

Cam- you go girl! You are doing great :Pinkbounc

Mazzy-this is my first 1/2 too. My mom is doing it with me. I had never even done a 5k when I signed up for this thing. I will be walking it. The Minnie Marathon is a 15k the 1st weekend in May. It is an innaugural women's only event. Several of us are planning on being there. It should be a blast. I'm hoping to be running a little more by then.

Christa-awesome pics! You & bree look great. I cant believe you look so happy doing a marathon.

I got my new shoes today. I can't believe how much cushioning my old ones have lost. These new ones feel great. I also got the shot blocks to try. They look good, & I think they'll go down better than gu.

[keenercam]

Thanks, Tiff!
I am with you on the cold. I've resorted to the Y treadmill several times due to weather issues. ICK! Good for you for doing WATP. I say any activity is good!

BTW, how is your mom doing?

I think you will like the bloks! I couldn't handle the gu, but really liked the bloks. Kind of like firm jello. Let me know what you think. Oh, the guy at EMS told us not to get the lemon-lime. I think ours are strawberry.

[princessmomma]

Wow, all these pictures...Cam,(you are beautiful, great smile) Christa, Bree, Lynn (you young things, no wonder you all have rabbit-like speed) you all look marvelous. I remember seeing Heather, MelR and Sunny's pictures and all I have to say is Wow! what a good looking group of Wishers!! Everyone looks SO healthy, fresh and bright-eyed, yes, you are all athletes. Glowing in an athletic way! It is great to see.

Bree, Bree, Bree so good to hear from you! I thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Hopefully, we will all remember to hydrate. Drink, drink, drink.

lacool, good job on your 16 miler. Glad to hear you tried the cool bath. After 20 miles try the alternating cold hot routine, really works.
Sort term pain for long term gain. :cold:

Welcome Mazzy, how high do you have the incline at? You really don't need to set it at all, maybe 0.5, but I wouldn't go any higher. Getting the miles in is more important than the incline. Get that baby down and you will be able to crank out a 8-10 miler no problem!

Christa, you were 40 minutes faster than your goal time??? Unbelieveable! Your time was so awesome especially tackling those hills in Charlotte. We have the same hills in Hickory so I am really hoping that will be to my advantage when I get to WDW.

Speed work for me today, cross train tomorrow. I have to do my 8 miler on Thursday because we are leaving for DH's marathon at Kiawah Island, SC on Friday morning. He is pretty hyped, he has checked the forecasted Saturday weather a gazillion times over that last 3 days.

Colleen

[gatorphipps]

Christa, you were 40 minutes faster than your goal time??? Unbelieveable! Your time was so awesome especially tackling those hills in Charlotte. We have the same hills in Hickory so I am really hoping that will be to my advantage when I get to WDW.
Colleen
Colleen - I think Bree meant to say I finished 40 min faster than my time at WDW last year. It was a little over 5 hours. Just a reminder of how the crowds and heat can slow you down! My goal was 4:30 so I did finish faster than that. No PR @ WDW this year though. I may try a faster time @ Myrtle Beach....a flat course! :teeth: That is in Feb so I will have to see how I feel then.
Yes the hills are killer!
Later!
Christa

[chimera]

Welcome mazzypig! Glad you joined us! Here's the link to Minnie:
Disney's Minnie Marathon Weekend (http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/endurance/events/detail?name=EnduranceMinnieMarathonWeekendEventInf oEventDetailPage)

Started packin' my marathon bag last night. Ummm...there are no shorts in the bag ;) Just changed our plans a little so we'll be coming up late Thurs night, staying at ASSports then popping over to the Expo and check-in at BCV as early as possible.

I skipped my SR last night in favor of DD12's National Junior Honor Society induction. :goodvibes This sounds weird to me, but I'm really looking forward to my first 10 miles this weekend. :teeth:

Cam...love the photos! You look fantastic!

Bree and Christa...great photos! You guys really make marathons look like fun! :dog: :dog:

There's a 5 mile run here on Dec 31 which just happens to coincide with my 5 mile taper before the half. Is it reasonable to do a race before the half? Or should I just do 5 miles easy to keep from getting injured?

[chimera]

Just wanted to let everyone know...starting with next week's thread, you'll find us on the brand spankin' new Events/Competition Board. I'll have a link at the end of this week's thread as always, but look for us on the new board starting on Sunday.

[aladdinsgirl]

It hit me as I was eating my bagel this morning:

ONE MONTH FROM TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :earseek: :earseek: :earseek: :earseek: :earseek:

Krista princess:

[NYcpa]

Have decided to take it easy for the next couple of days. My car turned into the filling of a sandwich yesterday morning on the way to a 8 AM appt. I was the middle car of a 3 car accident. The car I got pushed into wasn't damaged by my car was damaged both front and rear with the rear being the worse. I ended up with a soar neck and muscle spasms in my back. I will play it by how I feel on Sat. before deciding on the 6 mile LW.

I found the day before the accident the problems with my neck are such that I am being referred to a neurosurgeon for a consult. Being rear ended is not the best thing to happen to anyone but couuld prove damaging for me.

Everyone is doing great with their training. It will be interesting to meet everyone in January.

Meed to get some work done.

[keenercam]

Oh, gee, Krista, way to make me sputter on my laptop! I had been thinking in terms of 4 weeks from tomorrow we leave for Orlando. But thinking of the 1/2 as being 1 month away is mind-boggling!

Did an hour on the TM this morning, since last night we had a family night -- "charlie brown Christmas" and tree decorating. I did it pretty steadily at 4.1 mph with a couple of times where I put it at 4.2. 4.1 mph seemed very doable. I think that is about a 14:38 pace or something like that.

[murcor]

Question from a 1st timer. When we signed up for the 1/2 we had to put down a shirt size. Do we get a shirt? If we do, does anyone know what type it is?

Thanks

Angela

[plutosmyfav]

Cam-- Wow, you look FANTASTIC! Thanks so much for sharing your pics. I love being able to put a face with a name.n As for motivational sayings, you know mine... "just what makes that little ole ant..." (I'll spare you the rest this time!!!!!)

Bree-- So good to hear from you! Good luck with your crazy December!!!! Great job on the race and thank you for the heads up on hydration.

MelR-- I'm usually a planner, typically I'd have my bags packed and 15 lists made for my trip by now. I haven't done anything yet, EXCEPT LOSE MY DISNEY REWARDS CARD :eek: I'm so mad at myself. I religeously use my disney visa so I can rack up the reward dollars and now the stupid thing is nowhere to be found. I don't even know if I can get the balance transferred to a new card. Grrrr. I still haven't bought our park tickets yet. I better do that today. I don't have a clue how to pack. Usually we go strictly carryon, but this trip I will need one whole carryon just for 4 hours of the stay! I plan to bring all my different training gear just in case (I have a fuel belt, 3 fanny packs, 2 mp3 players, 2 visors, ....... ) And then there's Christmas to contend with. Again, usually I have all sorts of plans in motion. I'm clueless this year. I haven't even started shopping. :scared:

I did lower body weights at lunchtime yesterday (I need to find a "Leg Press Anonymous" I just can't help myself, I haven't reduced my weights). I went to the Y last night at 8:30 PM and ran 6.3 on the TM. I woke up this morning with the start of achilles tendon pain on the right, a glute pull on the right and totally body soreness and exhaustion. I'm finding it hard to move today. So I guess the body is gently trying to tell me it might like to have a little rest ...

Sunny

[plutosmyfav]

Speaking of packing and carryons, do you think it would be "cruel and unusual punishment" to ask Dx to bring home my stinky marathon clothes with him since he leaves Sunday night :rotfl2: It would be nice not to have to deal with them at the resort!

[keenercam]

Sunny -- LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!!! Resting your body may be the perfect excuse for taking care of everything else. Good luck!

[plutosmyfav]

Sunny -- LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!!! Resting your body may be the perfect excuse for taking care of everything else. Good luck!

Its hard to hear my body over the audible moans and groans :rotfl: :rotfl2:

But seriously, I am resting today! THanks!

[gatorphipps]

Just a word to those who are flying. Have a carryon with you that has your shoes and race outfit in it. I always do this. It would be a pitty to get to WDW and the airlines have lost your bags with your shoes. :earseek:
Christa

[keenercam]

Just a word to those who are flying. Have a carryon with you that has your shoes and race outfit in it. I always do this. It would be a pitty to get to WDW and the airlines have lost your bags with your shoes. :earseek:
Christa

Christa -- It is SOOO funny that you said this. Just yesterday I totally re-wrote my packing list to make room in my carryon for all my running gear. Especially since I have a pair of those very high-tech shoes that are huge and heavy and take up a lot of room. My carry-on is now all 1/2 marathon gear and toiletries.

[panthergirl]

Congrats on your Thunder Road finishes! For those of you who are not familiar with our town, that marathon course is a bear. You cannot imagine the number of very steep hills were included in that route. I ran down Queens Rd in the opposite direction of the marathon and passed the water stop at mile 10. I thought of you both and sent mental good wishes your way.

I did 13.5 miles on Saturday and that is the longest I plan to go. This weekend will be 8-10 or so depending on how I am feeling. I am going to WDW on the 16th so am moving my long run to the 20th then I think it's taper time! My packet showed up Monday. I am the proud owner of #20711!

Best of luck to all my WISH pals. You are all doing so great!

Susan

PS - How 'bout those Panthers? They "vick-timized" the Falcons! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

[lacool]

I haven't done anything yet, EXCEPT LOSE MY DISNEY REWARDS CARD :eek:

Sunny- I did the same thing just before our trip last year. They can transfer the points to a new card and mail it, but call soon, so they can get it in the mail ASAP!

Speaking of aches and pains -- I got a massage this morning, to deal with the soreness resulting from 16 miles yesterday. It was all I could do not to scream when she reached my quads! :scared1: Then it seemed like a very long walk to my car. I'm sure all that lactic acid is now racing through the rest of my body looking for a place to roost. I'd better go drink some water.

Christa, thanks for the heads-up on carrying-on the race gear. I haven't thought that far ahead yet, but chances are that wouldn't have occurred to me. :flower:

--Leigh Ann

[Jodi]

Hey All!!

I've been reading about the packing & carry ons & getting nervous, it's actually going to happen. I have a question for all you that have run/walked the WDW race before.

What did you eat while @ WDW the few days b-4? I've been eating very healthy since I've been training, & am convinced this has a lot to do with my energy levels. That being said, when I go on vacation, I tend to eat a lot of junky food; burgers, fries, you get the idea. I don't think I'll find brown rice concoctions & high protein pasta @ WDW. Any thoughts?? :confused3

I toyed with the idea of bringing some food from home in tupperware, but I think it'd get kinda gross after a while.

Where did you guys eat?

Jodi

[keenercam]

Hey, guys! I am giving this one more shot.

We still have an extra bedroom in our Beach Club Villas 2 bedroom unit for Thurs - Sun nights. Is anyone looking for a (cheap) room? Please PM me if you are. It has 2 queen sized beds I believe, and there is a living room, full kitchen and full size washer/dryer. We thought our kids were going with us when we made the reservation and once we realized they couldn't go, there were no studios or 1BRs available.

[Honeibee]

Hey everyone, I'm back from my not so great honeymoon. Man, don't EVER fly on American. I'll do an OT Trip Report in a few days.

Anyway, one good thing...I DID continue to do the TM every other day while on vacation and even bumped up to 3.3 for 40 minutes with 1% for 10. I'm very happy with it. I try to do a little something more every time.

OK, I have to host my dept holiday party for 40 people in two days so I might be a little busy but I just wanted to take a quick peek thru this week's thread to see what I missed and apparently I missed a lot! You all are so busy!


Cam...thanks for the pics! You ARE very pretty and your progress is amazing and inspirational! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

[kaf7878]

Question to those bringing "spectators" along for the trip. Where do you plan on stationing them to see you? My parents want to see us finish the marathon but I feel like last year the spectators had to wait at a tent area and couldln't actually see the finish line--can anyone remember??

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Question to those bringing "spectators" along for the trip. Where do you plan on stationing them to see you? My parents want to see us finish the marathon but I feel like last year the spectators had to wait at a tent area and couldln't actually see the finish line--can anyone remember??


They should only go to the family tent AFTER they see you finish. My guess is that everyone had "we gotta meet up" on the brain and forgot about the finish. Athletes will be getting their medal, getting their finish picture, getting water and food--in other words..you will be busy and they will have plenty of time after they see you finish to get to the tent. The tent is not oriented in any proximity to the finish line.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Have decided to take it easy for the next couple of days. My car turned into the filling of a sandwich yesterday morning on the way to a 8 AM appt. I was the middle car of a 3 car accident. The car I got pushed into wasn't damaged by my car was damaged both front and rear with the rear being the worse. I ended up with a soar neck and muscle spasms in my back. I will play it by how I feel on Sat. before deciding on the 6 mile LW.

I found the day before the accident the problems with my neck are such that I am being referred to a neurosurgeon for a consult. Being rear ended is not the best thing to happen to anyone but couuld prove damaging for me.

Everyone is doing great with their training. It will be interesting to meet everyone in January.

Meed to get some work done.

:grouphug:
So sorry about your accident. Even if you have to take 2 weeks off, you will be fine. I hope that it isn't anything worse. Be sure to note explicitly any change in symptoms from before the accident and after since you have documented that you had a problem prior. It can get really sticky on the medical claim portion of the accident.

Hope you get better soon. :wizard:

[TXBelle]

Question from a 1st timer. When we signed up for the 1/2 we had to put down a shirt size. Do we get a shirt? If we do, does anyone know what type it is?

Thanks

Angela

Angela- The shirt is a long sleeve performance-type shirt (not cotton). Last year the 1/2 marathon shirt had Donald Duck on the front, and the marathon shirt had Mickey Mouse. You pick up the shirt at the Expo.

On the topic of shirts, like Lily, I purchased an "I Did It!" t-shirt at the Expo before the race. I was afraid of jinxing myself, but I am so glad that I bought it. To this day I wear it proudly. I am looking forward to buying another one this year.

Kathy- So sorry to hear about your accident. I hope everything is all right. :wizard: to feel better soon.

I got excellent news on Monday. I made partner at my law firm! After 11 years practicing law and having 4 kids in 5 years, this is no small feat. Needless to say, my family is very happy. :cloud9: It is so fulfilling when hard work really does pay off.

I plan to go to the gym to get in a few miles on the TM. I think someone mentioned it here before as a rumor, but John Bingham has confirmed that he will be at the Disney Marathon going for the Goofy. You can follow his training at http://penguintimes.blogspot.com/ I really hope I get to meet him! He has been such an inspiration to me.

Okay, back to work.

[littlegreydonkey]

Hey all - congrats Bree and Christa, you'll be flying through Disney at this rate.

I skimped a bit on my long run last night. Got a bit of a hip issue that I would normally ignore but I've worked too hard to get sidelined by injury now so took it a bit easy and am off to the physio today. Thankfully we have a sports medicine institute here so they are used to people walking in and saying 'I'm doing a (insert stupidly long event here).. and there's no debating that so how do you want to tackle my problem now'. Don;t think it helps that I've been writing a feature on chronic pain for the last week - and I always get what I'm writing about - sadly it never works when I write about rapid weight loss!!!!

As for spectator info - I'm asking my boyfriend to be at Animal Kingdom for support and then MGM to supply Red Bull (and he'd better make it or he's in serious trouble). As great as it is for people to see you finish, personally I think by then you don't need the support - you've done it, your own endorphins will see you through, but seeing someone you know at some point round the course gives you an extra lift when you need it more. Helen

[Jodi]

Heather- WOW CONGRATULATIONS on making partner...4 kids in 5 years???? You deserve a medal for that feat, never mind running a marathon :rotfl:

Seriously, though. Congrats on your accomplishment, it's not easy being a working mom.

Jodi

[mazzypig]

First, thanks for filling me in on the Minnie Marathon...I would love to be a part of the inaugural event for women only (I assume it's for women only?), I'm so glad I found out about it!

Second, I almost always run on my treadmill because I only really have time at night, and I'm uncomfortable running alone at night, in the cold. I'm not sure what incline I have it set on because it is somewhat of an older model and doesn't tell me exactly...I just know that I have to work really hard to run (like I'm tired and out of breath at 2 minutes, but I can run on a flat surface outside for an hour and not feel nearly as tired). My theory is that I'm "tricking" myself to work extra hard, so that the half-marathon will be a piece of cake (yeah right). :rotfl2:

Third, I'm trying to "catch up" by surfing around this series of threads but I'm realizing how much I don't know...like about diet..."carb loading"...what to eat/drink during the event...going to the bathroom...wearing a fanny pack...throw away clothes...none of those things had previously occurred to me much. And I had NO IDEA :earseek: that we had to start lining up around 4 am!!! I haven't received my pack of info yet so you guys are my only "inside information" source. I just read about the 90 steps/minute recommendation, I'll definitely have to count next run. I started reading the Marathon Training for Non Runners book, but I only got to chapter 4 before I got bored and quit reading...so I'm "winging it"--which is probably bad.

Last night I did 9 miles on my treadmill, walking (mostly) and jogging when I could. It took me 157 minutes, which comes out to a 17 min/27 sec per mile pace. I'm not sure how much the incline affects this...

So anyway, if you see a brunette with a long braid, looking half-asleep and COMPLETELY clueless and lost on race day, with nobody else there to cheer me on or take pictures, that's me! :wave2: Just point me in the right direction and I'll run/walk with the rest of the herd in the last corral!

[keenercam]

Heather -- Congratulations on making partner! How awesome for you! Sounds like you did it in record time!

Kathy -- so sorry to hear about your accident. I hope you recovery is quick and uneventful. I can't imagine how stressful this must be for you. Take good care of yourself.

lacool -- meant to thank you for another great song for my mix. Am going to have to add that near 3 hours! Very cool words!

Christa -- LOVE the new picture in your siggie! :rotfl: Not sure the Evil Queen likes the competition! :earseek:

Mel -- congratulations on DD's National Junior Honor Society induction. Awesome!

Speaking of packing and carryons, do you think it would be "cruel and unusual punishment" to ask Dx to bring home my stinky marathon clothes with him since he leaves Sunday night It would be nice not to have to deal with them at the resort!

Now THAT is love! :lovestruc Funny story: when I was a college senior, I lived in an on-campus townhouse with laundry facilities at a central location. One day, when Howard and I were leaving my unit, we heard a young guy begging a young woman "If you really loved me, you'd do my laundry." I think Howard took that very seriously, because he has done almost all the laundry in our 21 years of marriage. :love2:

Jodi -- I think you won't have a problem finding food options. You might want to check out the menus on www.allearsnet.com to plan some meals ahead of time. I know we are doing O'Hana's Thursday night, Trails End Friday night, LeCellier Saturday night and leaving ourselves open to whim for Sunday and Monday. Lots of healthy choices around.

Honeibee-- Sorry your trip wasn't completely awesome. That COULDN'T be because it wasn't WDW, could it? ;)

Heather -- I HAVE to have that shirt and I am glad to know that neither you nor Lily jinxed yourselves by buying it at the expo. I have heard that most of the stuff at the expo cannot be bought anywhere else or after the events. So, I am definitely going to the expo with credit card in hand! :cool1:

mazzy-- be sure to wear something lime green so we can spot you and drag you into the fold! :goodvibes

Helen -- I am really curious to hear what they tell you about the hip pain. I am having pain in my right hip but I think it is only when I use the treadmill (though I haven't done a LW outside in a couple weeks, so I guess I will test that theory on Saturday). Not sure whether to use heat or ice or to baby it or to push it. Would love any advice.

Honeibee and Colleen -- Thank you so much for the compliments. I just can't remember the last time anyone other than my husband or children told me I am beautiful or pretty. Sure, I've heard "you have a nice smile" or "that sweater looks nice on you" or "I like your haircut" or "your hair looks pretty like that" and all of that makes me feel really good. :goodvibes But not the straight-on-make-my-heart-sing stuff! So, the compliments here have been very exciting for me. Thank you. :grouphug:

I am so excited about the prospect of seeing John Bingham in person, though I have no illusions of actually meeting him. I am still trying to grapple with the idea of 14,000 people in one place at one time at 4 a.m. at the start of the 1/2. WOW!!

[gatorphipps]

Hey All!!

I've been reading about the packing & carry ons & getting nervous, it's actually going to happen. I have a question for all you that have run/walked the WDW race before.

What did you eat while @ WDW the few days b-4? I've been eating very healthy since I've been training, & am convinced this has a lot to do with my energy levels. That being said, when I go on vacation, I tend to eat a lot of junky food; burgers, fries, you get the idea. I don't think I'll find brown rice concoctions & high protein pasta @ WDW. Any thoughts?? :confused3

I toyed with the idea of bringing some food from home in tupperware, but I think it'd get kinda gross after a while.

Where did you guys eat?

Jodi
Jodi - Don't be nervous. You will have so much fun! WDW is really good about being able to meet your nutritional (sp?) needs. You may have to do some planning and/or call ahead for the place you will be eating. But they can alter dishes for you if you call ahead and let then know. I ate pasta both times the day b/4 I ran the WDW marathon. Good for you on eating good!

[gatorphipps]

Christa -- LOVE the new picture in your siggie! :rotfl: Not sure the Evil Queen likes the competition! :earseek:
Thanks cam! This picture was taken in MGM. That is mile 20 something so I know I am looking oh so good! It was @ the 2004 WDW Marathon - My 1st!
I have lost around 20 lbs from the time that picture was taken. However, I thing 5lbs has found me. I just cannot stay on WW with this training. I know I eat at least 50 points a day.
Christa

[MelRhoads]

Sunny - John, our neighbor and adventure race team member has actually washed our socks and bike shoes after a race before. Those are the one's that had been worn for 10-20 hours and had stepped in who knows what, from cow pastures to riverbeds to city water drainage ditches. Maybe if you pack it away in giant zip lock bags before you send it back with him, he could just dump it in the washing machine when he gets home and he will never have to touch it. That wouldn't be too cruel! I'd say if he does agree, you definitely owe him one!!! :rotfl2:

Heather - Congratulations on making partner.

Cam - We watched Charlie brown last night too. It was the boy's first time to see it. we missed the TV version, but I got the video. I'm now a little concerned about his future though. A few weeks ago, he asked me who he was going to marry. I told him he would meet a girl that he liked and it could be her. He said he liked Veruca Salt from Charlie and the Chocolate factory. This morning, he told me he liked the "blue girl" referring to Lucy on the Charlie brown christmas show. I'm thinking he likes the fiesty gals!!!!

It is looking like we are getting snow tonight. If we get much (more than 1 inch) on the ground, they will cancel schools. That means I'll probably miss my long run this week, unless i can find babysitter in the neighborhood!

Christa - how much do the crowds slow you down at disney? Is it a big issue, or does it just add a few minutes onto your total time? If i'm in the 5:15 corral (which is what i put as my projected time) can i still hope to finish in under 5 or am i stuck? When the boy and i ran the furry friends 5k with all of maybe 30 other people, there was one girl who came between me and my girlfriend actually putting her hands out in front of her to make a wedge!! She did it to a couple of people in front of us too. It was really quite comical given the small crowd!

[xterratri]

Mom sent me an email yesterday with the subject line "sandwich" telling me to call after 1. I figured she wanted me to wait until after lunch was why it said sandwich. No, that was the description of what the car that is registered and insured in my name(long story, it is her car) had become. Geico is pretty good about dealing with accidents when you are many states away from where it happened. It helps that mom is listed as a driver on my policy. When the deer ran into my car while I was in TX this summer and the car was in NY(poor Mom, she was driving it), they insisted on talking to me first before anything could happen. I made a pre-emptive phone call to them yesterday afternoon and they've been great about dealing with it so far. The real test will be when the policy comes up for renewal in Feb as there were no tickets issued. Therefore the insurance copmanies have to fight it out about liability. Mom said that the cops didn't bother coming until 1.5 hrs after the accident. Yes it was called in as no personal injury but that's probably also why no tickets were issued but still.

I'm also not very happy with the family practice doc she saw last night. Since she's allergic to the cox-2 he wanted to prescribe, he just told her to take higher dose ibuprofen instead. There are lots more options for stronger prescription NSAIDS and he didn't prescribe a muscle relaxant which is very important for dealing with the muscle spasm that tends to occur in the neck and back after something like this. When the kid jumped on my head while I was teaching swimming and I ended up with functional whiplash, I had killer headaches until I got the muscle relaxant that helped with the cervical muscle spasm and I had a normal young person neck. We're really going to need the trip to WDW in a week and a half.

Ran inside with Nathalie on Monday and only did 30 minutes due to no time in the schedule, watched the first half of Mulan while x-train on the bike last night(will finish it Friday), and ran my tempo run outside this morning. It was cold with 20-30 mph winds. I'm having problems trying to run fast- I'm working hard but just not doing the times I was a couple of weeks ago when it was 20-30 degrees warmer. I'm hoping its just the cold and I'm not missing something more. Pretty much I'm counting on the taper and the fact that the race is in FL where it better be warmer.

Congrats Heather on making partner, Mel on the NJHS induction, Christa and Bree on the marathon finish.
Cam- the pictures are great, you look so good. Hey, how is your daughter's college app going? Wasn't she applying early decision?
Welcome to mazzypig and murcor.
Great job on the progress everyone.
There was more stuff I wanted to say that I'm blanking on right now so I may post again later.

[gatorphipps]

Christa - how much do the crowds slow you down at disney? Is it a big issue, or does it just add a few minutes onto your total time? If i'm in the 5:15 corral (which is what i put as my projected time) can i still hope to finish in under 5 or am i stuck? When the boy and i ran the furry friends 5k with all of maybe 30 other people, there was one girl who came between me and my girlfriend actually putting her hands out in front of her to make a wedge!! She did it to a couple of people in front of us too. It was really quite comical given the small crowd!
That is a FUNNY story! The crowds will slow you down a bit. I don't know why my time @ WDW was 5 something and in Charlotte less than 4:30. Only 600 people ran Charlotte, but that is a big jump in time. Crowds, heat, ect....You will be fine. I know you can finish under 5.
Christa

[Lisa loves Pooh]

First, thanks for filling me in on the Minnie Marathon...I would love to be a part of the inaugural event for women only (I assume it's for women only?), I'm so glad I found out about it!


Nahhh--I'm sure men are welcome---though not sought out and certainly outnumberred.

Even the Nike Women's Marathon in San Fran has men in it. I would think it would be key for me to participate as they greatly imporove their chances of winning their age group. :teeth:


I'll go check though for ya.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I'll go check though for ya.

From the website:

Eligibility
Women Run the World 15K runners must be 11 years or older. All participants must be able to maintain a 15-minute per mile pace.

Restrictions
For everyone's safety, baby joggers/strollers, bicycles, inline skates, skateboards, headphones, and animals will be prohibited on the course

And you can select gender :).

So I am sure there will be some renegade Mickey's--but the event is for women and being marketed as such. :cheer2:

[keenercam]

Cam- the pictures are great, you look so good. Hey, how is your daughter's college app going? Wasn't she applying early decision?

Thanks! And thanks for asking about Jenn. I think decision letters will be sent on 12/15, so we are all on pins and needles but acting like there is nothing going on. Kind of like the white elephant in the room that everyone pretends to ignore. <--- Is that the right analogy? :confused3 Or is it something to do with a 10,000 pound gorilla? :teeth:

[TiffJ]

Heather-congrats on making partner :Pinkbounc I cant wait to get me an "I did it" shirt. I plan on doing some serious damage at the expo.

Kathy-sorry about the wreck. Hope you heal quickly

I think I'm going to have to break down & do TM in the morning. Oh well, at least it should be warmer,drier for the weekend & can do LR outside. Although I dont consider 6 miles very long any more. My mom said she did think she'd ever hear me say 6 miles isnt very long. Those aliens again!

[TEK224]

Heather congrats on making partner! :cool1: :banana:

Kathy - sorry to hear about your accident. Hope you are ok!

Tiff - I'm right there with ya causing damage at the Expo :teeth: My cc may never be the same!

Only got 45 min. in today. Went to visit family member in nursing home tonight. They had their holiday party for the residents and family members. It was fun, but I felt guilty not getting more time in today.

Snow is coming again tomorrow night. Ugh! Although I usually like the snow, now it's interfering with my outdoor workouts - Yuch!

Hope everyone is having a good week.

Terri

[plutosmyfav]

Congratulations, Heather! 4 kids in 5 years, endurance athlete, and now partner! Phew, you are an over-acheiver!!!! :cheer2:

Cam-- Sending :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: For the college wait and elephant and gorilla and whatever else you may have in your living room :rotfl2:

Christa-- if running a marathon doesn't earn you a bag of mint milano cookies what's the point :confused3 I'm sure you earned them fair and square!

I didn't so much as lift a finger all day yesterday in hopes to appease the bod. I plan on doing upperbody weights and some cardio other than running today. I still feel wiped out, but I'll play it by ear :listen: .

ETA: Renee, Thanks for the rewards card info. I just called and they said it should arrive in a week. phew! I think running must kill brain cells :rotfl:

Sunny

[wtpclc]

Heather - COngrats on making partner!!!!

Kathy - SO sorry about the accident!

Honibee - Welcome Back!

DId my first real tempo run last night. SInce the whole hip thing, my pace was my pace, not getting faster. I think my stride has finally come back!!!! Doesn't hurt that there was no wind last night for the first time I can remeber. (Living about 7 miles from Lake MI, the wind is usually pretty string) ANyway, it was great!!

A couple more sets of inspirational lyrics:

JIMMY EAT WORLD - The Middle Lyrics
Hey, don't write yourself off yet
It's only in your head you feel left out or
looked down on.
Just try your best, try everything you can.
And don't you worry what they tell themselves when you're away.
It just takes some time, little girl you're in the middle of the
ride.
Everything (everything) will be just fine, everything
(everything) will be alright (alright).
Hey, you know they're all the same.
You know you're doing better on your own, so don't buy in.
Live right now.
Yeah, just be yourself.
It doesn't matter if it's good enough for someone else.
It just takes some time, little girl you're in the middle of the
ride.
Everything (everything) will be just fine, everything
(everything) will be alright (alright).
It just takes some time, little girl you're in the middle of the
ride.
Everything (everything) will be just fine, everything
(everything) will be alright (alright).
Hey, don't write yourself off yet.
It's only in your head you feel left out or
looked down on.
Just do your best, do everything you can.
And don't you worry what the bitter hearts are gonna say.
It just takes some time, little girl you're in the middle of the
ride.
Everything (everything) will be just fine, everything
(everything) will be alright (alright).
It just takes some time, little girl you're in the middle of the
ride.
Everything (everything) will be just fine, everything
(everything) will be alright (alright).

Movie: Ice Princess
Artist: Michelle Trachtenberg
Song: Reachin' For Heaven

All my life
There was just me and my dreams
And the days went tickin' by
Like the beat of my heart

Spend my nights
Wondering how it would feel
When the waiting would end
And tomorrow would start
Suddenly I see a light
Out of the darkness
I'm comin' alive

(Chorus)
So this how it feels
Reaching for heaven
This how it feels
Kissin' the sky
This what it means
Touching for heaven
Like the phoenix rising from the flames
I'm reachin' for heaven

All this time
I never knew I was so strong
But you made me find the fire
That was there all along.
In your eyes
I can see all I can be
Suddenly I want it all
And I know you'll catch me whenever i fall
So.......(Chorus)

And you alone have showed me
Shining new horizons
Now for all I owe you
It's my turn to show you

So this how it feels
Reaching for heaven
This how it feels
Kissin' the sky
This what it means
Touching for heaven
Like the phoenix rising from the flames
I'm reachin' for heaven
Reachin' for heaven
This how it feels
Kissin' the sky
This what it means
Touching for heaven
Like the phoenix rising from the flames
I'm reachin' for heaven
Reachin' for heaven
Heaven

See it. Believe it. Achieve it.

Let's start picturing the smile on our faces as we cross that finish line!!!!

[wtpclc]

Oh, here's a funny for you. I got mom and dad's Christmas card last night. WIth all our snow and cold issues this year effecting our running, wouldn't you know it? Yup, Ther card was "I'm dreaming of a White CHristmas." Not this year! :o

Oh, on teh NFL topic. DId anyone see NFL today Sunday where they discussed the firing of Mariucci? It summed things up nicely. Also, there were about 20,000 people at the WIngs game Tuesday night that were singing "Fi-re Mil-lan" instead of "Let's go, Red Wings."

SOlo - GOod luck this weekend!

[Minnie]

Unlurking to send some :wizard: to Kathy and Cam and some :cheer2: for Heather!!!!!

Nothing new to report here. My hip is not doing to bad as long as I don't do much with it. I have yet to try running again as I still have pain in the evenings. If this continues I will likey be going to a specialist after the first of the year.

Good luck to everyone!!!!!!!!!

[TXBelle]

Thanks to everyone for the Congratulations. I finally went to the gym this morning. I did 60 minutes on the TM and wasn't even a bit tired. Who knew training for a year would actually work? :confused3 I am very glad that my month off due to hip injury did not affect my training. The best news of all was that my hip did not bother me at all today.

Like others doing the MFM walk/run half-marathon program, I am on track to complete 6 miles this weekend. What has happened to me that 6 miles is no big deal? :rotfl:

Cam- Here is one of my favorite John Bingham quotes for your inspirational post-its: "Who you can be doesn't depend on who you have been."

[gatorphipps]

Just one question! Why do official race pictures make me look like a cow?
Just got them in an email and when I saw them I :earseek: :scared: :eek: :faint:.
Here are a few samples.

This is me @ the 1/2 marathon point.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d146/ChristaPhipps/thunderrdfinish3.jpg

This is me crossing the finish line! Don't ask why my mouth is wide open. I must be screaming in pain!
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d146/ChristaPhipps/thunderrdfinish.jpg

The others were to ugly to post! I am now back on the WW wagon! AAAHHHHHHHHH!

Christa

[mazzypig]

Thanks for checking out the info on if men can run the Minnie...I've been trying to get my coworkers to run with me but they all think I'm crazy. One person even said that she didn't have the energy to respond (I sent an email out with the link) to tell me that I was crazy...

I went out last night to shop for both a running fanny pack and an MP3 player--I found a smallish pack that was intended to hold a CD player while walking (so it has some padding and a reflective band on the waist hooks). But I have no idea what I'm looking for in an MP3 player. Anybody have any suggestions on this topic? Ones that they like...dislike? Do you have trouble keeping the earbuds in while running? :confused3

[keenercam]

I went out last night to shop for both a running fanny pack and an MP3 player--I found a smallish pack that was intended to hold a CD player while walking (so it has some padding and a reflective band on the waist hooks). But I have no idea what I'm looking for in an MP3 player. Anybody have any suggestions on this topic? Ones that they like...dislike? Do you have trouble keeping the earbuds in while running? :confused3

Mazzy -- On the fannypack issue, I found one that was recommended here on the REI website at the outlet. It holds a water bottle (I want to be able to carry enough of my powerade/water mix in a flavor I am accustomed to). It also appears to have room for kleenex, a couple of power bars, honey packets a small camera and a cell phone. Those are the things that are on my fannypack list right now. I am hoping mine will arrive today or tomorrow so I can try it out the next couple of LWs.

As for an mp3 player. I am very very keen on my ipod shuffle. I know there are others out there and lots of pros and cons on the various models, but this is the one I have and it it small enough for me to stick in my pocket (I tried wearing it on my arm, but the armband chafed the underside of my "old italian lady batwings" :rotfl: ) I have been refining my playlist every time I use it to find the songs that promote a good walking pace and high energy and inspiration. Who knows -- I may not even end up using it for the 1/2 if I am distracted and motivated and taking pix, etc., but I am definitely taking it with me. I even just bought a wall charger so I can use it for workouts the couple days before the 1/2 without risk of running out the battery.

The choice of both items is as personal as your event outfit. Just give yourself plenty of time to get used to the item so that you know there are not fit/slippage/chafing issues. Great advice I got here! :grouphug:

[solotraveler]

Not much time to talk this morning, but I have to brag about something....

We arrived in Alabama last night. It was 40 degrees when we landed at the "airport" (seriously, smallest one I've ever seen) and it felt like a heat wave. So nice. The very first thing that came to mind that I wanted to do: Run!!

So this morning I did 4 miles in a little under 37 minutes running along the Tennesee River. I'm going to try and get my long run of 8 miles in tomorrow along the same course.

Sounds like everyone else is doing great as well. Keep up the good work!! I can't believe we are less than 30 days away.

I better dash--
Happy training all!!
Solotraveler :earsboy:

[keenercam]

Awesome, solo! 40 degrees sounds really cold to me, but hey, glad you find it motivating! :teeth: Good luck with your LR tomorrow.

[plutosmyfav]

Christa-- You look great! Stop with the "cow" business right this instance!!!!

Solo-- if 40 feels like a heat wave, how are we going to handle running in Orlando :confused3 Yikes! I know I wouldn't need a coat if the temp reached 40 right now!

Just back from the gym. Spaghetti arms :banana: :banana: :banana: I really knocked 'em out today. But I have a new problem. Veins! They are starting to show on my bicepts and I have pretty bulgy ones on my right forearm. I hate veins but I guess its unavoidable if you reduce your arms to jello twice a week :p

Sunny

[princessmomma]

I am starting to panic and I need help with my accommodations decision. I am still holding 2 reservations. One at the Swan and one at POR.

I like the idea of walking to the marathon start, but POR has double beds and I find that my feet actually hang off the end when I stretch out! See I told you I was tall. There is really no way DH and I could sleep in a double and both get a good night's sleep. I was thinking about bringing an air mattress and letting the kids sleep there and then DH and I could have separate beds. I just read a post over on the Resorts board that complained about the terribly hard beds at POR. I am really starting to be concerned now.

The Swan is my other choice. I am paying about the same for this room. It has two queen heavenly beds but I will need to bus it to the start line. We would also have to rent a car if we stayed her because we couldn't use Magical Express for our transfers from the airport to the hotel.

Any opinions?
Colleen

[gatorphipps]

Christa-- You look great! Stop with the "cow" business right this instance!!!!

Solo-- if 40 feels like a heat wave, how are we going to handle running in Orlando :confused3 Yikes! I know I wouldn't need a coat if the temp reached 40 right now!

Just back from the gym. Spaghetti arms :banana: :banana: :banana: I really knocked 'em out today. But I have a new problem. Veins! They are starting to show on my bicepts and I have pretty bulgy ones on my right forearm. I hate veins but I guess its unavoidable if you reduce your arms to jello twice a week :p

Sunny
Sunny - Have I ever told you I LOVE YOU! :rotfl: Thanks! I just hate race pics. As for veins in the arms. When you are a buff as you are, the veins have to go somewhere.

Solo - 40 is still cool for me but I live in NC near the coast.

JUST WENT AND PICKED OUT MY BIKE! I an $200 away from a dark blue women's Trek road bike. :love: :banana: :cool1: Biking is so cool! Melissa and xterratri and any other bikers out there, you are my heros! I think I can CONvence DH to spring the $200 so I am going to put it on lay away next week!
Was going to swim today, but DD7 now is sick and had to stay home from school.
Christa

[mazzypig]

:listen: Wait, you can walk to the start from the POR? That's where I'm staying. I wish my info packet would hurry up and arrive, I feel like I don't know anything. How far of a walk is it?

[Lisa loves Pooh]

:listen: Wait, you can walk to the start from the POR? That's where I'm staying. I wish my info packet would hurry up and arrive, I feel like I don't know anything. How far of a walk is it?

The start for the FULL is across 2 streets from OKW and POFQ. Riverside will be a little bit of a jaunt. And the HALF would be an even further bit of a jaunt.

From the front entrance of POFQ--you could easily get to the marathon start in 10 minutes (not including time from your room).

However--you miss the hoopla, but most who do this rather sleep in a bit longer.

[wtpclc]

solo - I'm soo jealous! Yes, 40 would feel warm. Brings me back to my #1 concern all year. I'll melt in the heat! Have a great time!

COlleen - That's a toughy. I'd want a good bed to get a decent night sleep before running, so I'd go with Swan.

[littlegreydonkey]

Hi there - how's this for irony, I run 20 miles, no injury. I sit still on a kayak for 90 minutes, injury occurs!!! Apparently I have an immobile sacrum (something to do with pelvic bones but I was too busy getting freaked out by the little plastic spine thing she was waving at me to work out what) which got a bit too imobilised while floating down the river and is rubbing on a nerve somewhere. Good news after 20 minutes of hideously painful manipulation hip problem has gone - I just have to stretch about 4 times a day. I love physios!!!! So, not sure if that relates at all to your problem Cam - my thing wasn't pain as you think of pain - more like a burning or tugging (which apparently indicates nerves rather than muscles anyway).

Christa - I'm with you on the cow thing (although you actually look just fine, trust me). My theory is that it's because the photographers kneel down and shoot upwards - best way to give someone a double chin let alone three stomachs. And don't even get me started on what wearing a fuel belt does to the mixture, so not pretty.

Coleen - can't remember if this is your first race or not, but if it is, chances are you won't sleep that well the night before anyway and will easily be up in time to get on the bus. If you're the type of person who wakes up every hour before a plane flight, you'll do the same the night before race night - so I'd go for the comfy bed and make the most of it the night before, the night before the race (if you get what I mean) for a really good long sleep. Also, if you've never raced before it's quite good to get there early as you will want to go to the loo 5 times, put your gear bag in 20 minutes before you should in case they drive off, go to the loo another five times, tie your shoelaces six times and all this nervous panicking eats up the minutes -or is that just me?

Good luck this weekend all - I can't believe I'm considering a 14 mile run as a rest week. Helen

[plutosmyfav]

I'm finding it harder and harder to keep track of all the posts I mean to reply to! Then again, I'm finding it harder to keep track of everything. :rolleyes:

Carrie- The Middle is one of my all-time favorite motivational songs. There's only a handful of songs that have survived on my mp3 player for years and that is one of them. Those lyrics ROCK!

Colleen-- I went through the same agonizing decision about resorts and decided to go with POFQ. I love the beds at Swan... I don't recall if I liked or disliked the beds at POR in 2001. Oh the decisions are killing me!!!!!

Sunny

[TEK224]

Just dropping in to say hi! About the only way I can keep up with all the posts is to check in a couple times a day.

Snow is supposed to be heading our way tonight and tomorrow so I'm going to TRY to do the treadmill tonight (did I say how much I hate the treadmill?)
:rolleyes:

Sound like everyon'e doing fine. :)

Terri

[kaf7878]

Hey everyone--

Christa--pics look great!! Don't worry abt it!

Sounds like you are all on the right track!! I am getting soooo excited. I just added Disney's Greatest Vol 1-3 to my ipod. Awesome songs on there!!!

Another funny story from me if you guys remember my Powergel story from last week. Today I'm at the library and I checked out a couple pilates DVDs for my non-running days. The librarian (not even the one checking me out!) says "Oh, getting a jumpstart on new years resolutions!" She said it friendly but dang, I'm starting to develop a complex!!! I didn't bother telling her I'm running a million miles a week--just wasn't in the mood. Just so weird since I always rent exercise dvds and have never gotten a comment before. I'm no toothpick but sheesh!

No running for me today. Doing 8 tomorrow and then the Florida Beaches Half Marathon on Sunday--can't wait for that!!!

Is anyone doing the kids races during marathon weekend??? I decided to get my parents a hotel room so they can come with our kids. So looks like we aer doing all the family stoff as well!

[keenercam]

Just one question! Why do official race pictures make me look like a cow?
Just got them in an email and when I saw them I :earseek: :scared: :eek: :faint:.
Christa

You must be joking! You look gorgeous and fit! I cannot believe those pictures are after 13 and 26.2 miles. WHO the heck looks that good in the middle of a marathon, much less the end of one? :worship:
:thewave:

[MelRhoads]

I'm not sure where I am today! Did my 15 mile long run on icy roads, with snow falling in temps in the teens (farenheit - that's really cold for you metric gals, helen!). Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the 15mph winds! It was the worst pace ever. My 20 mile pace from last week was better even if you factor a 10 minute rest! I totally ditched the cold bath idea for a warm soak and a fire! I'm still numb!! When I thaw out, i think i'm really going to hurt. I was really thinking about you michaganders with the endless blizzard this year!

I did take my camera to get a pic of the pig and the donkey, but they were too chicken to face the cold. all i got were the goats!

Christa - you looked good. You are in awesome shape! I have the same pic issue with the hike-a-bike pics in adv racing. I am just too weenie to get my bike all the way up to my back/shoulder and I never look tough in those pics. One of my goals for the last race was to get a good hike-a-bike pic and I just ended up making faces like jim carrey and looking like a skinny weakling!!!! Maybe one day my h-a-b pics will look like all those tough girls in the race, but i'll definitely have to stop racing to pose to get one!

Here are some frozen pics from today that actually show our normal route for all long runs!

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid195/p1ed91e0e1d63d738613b2c3cd9a94aad/f123622a.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid195/pff9d91a87d3c75d20b25fa6c378eaad5/f12360c2.jpg
Sarah (EC - look at all the ice on her face and hair)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid195/pdcca08d9428338c78a1efc0dbc47e698/f123603e.jpg
Me FREEZING!!! (i don't think i had developed boogercicles yet!)

[plutosmyfav]

Great Pics, Melissa!

Darn! I was so looking forward to seeing the pig! Sarah must be the EC? Now the EC has a name!!!!!

Snows coming tomorrow. Looks like i will be doing my first 14 miler on the TM this weekend :scared: I'm not sure which is worse, the actually time spent on the thing or watching the droves of people come and leave while I'm there!!!! I'll have to set up camp with my fluids and gels :rotfl2:

Sunny

[MelRhoads]

Sunny - I was really bummed about the pig and donkey. They usually add some pleasure to to LR! Sometimes the donkeys act like they are going to run w/ us for a little bit, then they dont!

The gel/fluid camp is hillarious! I'd love to see some pics of that!!!!! The last time i did a TM run, I spent 4 miles (that's a long time for me) obsessing about them turning the fan in my direction!

[keenercam]

Great pix Melissa! I am hoping I'll recognize you without a hat in January, but that gorgeous smile is pretty memorable. :teeth:

Looks like i will be doing my first 14 miler on the TM this weekend :scared: I'm not sure which is worse, the actually time spent on the thing or watching the droves of people come and leave while I'm there!!!! I'll have to set up camp with my fluids and gels :rotfl2:

Sunny

Sunny -- You should check out the treadmill (or should I say DREADmill) thread. There are some funny stories there, including Lily's account of total orchestration of what it took to do 18 miles. :worship:

[Lisa loves Pooh]

CONFESSIONS OF AN OVERACHIEVER...

I have pain by the joint...WAHHHHHH!!!! Using ice massage (brrrrr!), but PT says b/c of the running. Aarrggghhh. I'm afraid to tell my coaches. I was doing so good. Boo hoo!

Anywho. Anybody think of what I can do. I had a friend suggest at one point some vitamins or pill supplements that help with the joints. Any thoughts?

[Rockclimber]

But I have no idea what I'm looking for in an MP3 player. Anybody have any suggestions on this topic? Ones that they like...dislike? Do you have trouble keeping the earbuds in while running? :confused3

I have a creative MuVo TX FM. I love it. It is a straight forward Mp3 player with a built in FM tuner. The one I have is 1 gig, which is plenty for me. I like the fact also that it comes with a belt clip, since I hate things on my arms. My mom just bought one for herself and said she found it online for $120. I personally find that earbuds don't stay in well. The faster I ran, the more they came out, but I also have little ears. (my excuse for not hearing/listening to my wife :teeth: ) Now I use an inexpensive lightweight over-the-head kind. You can check out Mp3 player reviews on www.cnet.com.

Yeah, I still lurk every once in a while... Training is going good, normal aches and pains you get when you log 40+ miles a week, but nothing substantial. Looks like everyone is getting pretty excited and doing great on their own training schedules. Keep it up, we are almost there!! :hourglass :bounce:

Dave
www.thejacksonfour.com

[TiffJ]

Lisa-say it isnt so. You aren't hurt again? Be careful & get better! I know alot of people that take glucosamine condroitin (sp?) for joints. You should be able to get it where you get vitamins/supplements. Mom takes it & says it helps with her knees.

kaf- that story is sooo funny. I told DH about the powergel incident. I would have been a smart a*@* to the kid. Dont worry about others, you are a big :dog2: endurance athlete!!! We will be at the 5k DH & DS8 are doing it along w/my dad & neices.

Sunny-you're just like those body builders with the veins. That's what happens when you become the big :dog2:

Christa=You look awesome! I am jealous about the bike. I want to be a biker too. I'm hoping to get one after the first of the year. Then I'm going to switch over to Tri training.

mazzy-too tired to respond-that is hilarious! I want to do the 15k & am trying to talk my best friend into it so we can have a girls weekend. I think it would be a blast. If we cant get our friends to come, maybe we can just meet there & have a WISH girls weekend. I know there are others here doing it.

Did 3 miles on the TM. Hated every minute of it.

[TiffJ]

Helen=that is exactly what I have planned for my pre-race routine!

[wtpclc]

Lisa - Glucosamine & chondroitin are supposed to be great for teh joints. Good luck!

[MelRhoads]

Lisa - AGGKKKHHHH! So sorry to hear about the joint pain!!! I had a lot of knee pain (mine comes and goes) I took the glucosamine and that is also the reason I bought those CW-X tights. It stopped after I did both, but resurfaces on really uneven terrain like trails or bushwacking! I don't know if the tights and glucosamine helped or if it was just that I had to work through the pain as I built up muscles? Now i have it on the other side of my same knee! I'm thinking it is either related to excess use or just the same deal. I'm really knock kneed so I'm sure there is some anatomical prob, but I figure this high mileage is not an every day event, so I'm ingoring it! I hope everything is ok!!!!!

Great pix Melissa! I am hoping I'll recognize you without a hat in January, but that gorgeous smile is pretty memorable.

Cam - Now that you mention it, I guess I do wear a hat in every picture! I have hair and it's pretty long. I will probably run most of the 2 races hatless. I'm a little embarrased to remind anyone of this, but I bought one of those big billed goofy hats for when i hit the wall in the marathon! I recall however that I am not alone, b/c helen got a tigger hat. I'm not sure I want to be wearing the hat in my finish line pics, but I thought that the idea of running with goofy on my head would make me inwardly happy.

[princessmomma]

Melissa, great pics! OK, what is it about all you endurance athletes with huge smiles on your faces?? The only thing going through my head is left-right, left-right and breathe in-out, in-out. I should be able to muster up a smile at the finish line, after all it is Disney!! :earboy2:

Well, here I am almost finished packing, tomorrow morning we are heading out to DH's marathon at Kiawah. I have to say the last two weeks of his taper has been torture on me. I think the taper period does funny things to a person's head (his head, not mine) :rotfl: ! I am quite surprised at how he can feel like superman ready to save the world and then turn into the most pessimistic creature alive. I shouldn't be so critical because I am sure my mind will be playing games on me as well. I am really excited for him and DD6 and DS8 are excited about going too. I hope he does well. He should have perfect weather.

Heather, congratulations on all your accomplishments!

Again, so much happening on this thread today. I know there was more I wanted to say.

Thanks to everyone for your opinions on my hotel stay, right now I think I am leaning toward the Swan, but who knows.

Colleen

[gatorphipps]

OK, what is it about all you endurance athletes with huge smiles on your faces?? The only thing going through my head is left-right, left-right and breathe in-out, in-out. I should be able to muster up a smile at the finish line, after all it is Disney!!
Well, here I am almost finished packing, tomorrow morning we are heading out to DH's marathon at Kiawah. I have to say the last two weeks of his taper has been torture on me. I think the taper period does funny things to a person's head (his head, not mine) :rotfl: ! I am quite surprised at how he can feel like superman ready to save the world and then turn into the most pessimistic creature alive. I shouldn't be so critical because I am sure my mind will be playing games on me as well. I am really excited for him and DD6 and DS8 are excited about going too. I hope he does well. He should have perfect weather.
Colleen
Colleen - We just smile when we see someone taking a picture of us. We are really thinking right left...right left.... :rotfl:
I want to see lots of pics of Kiawah. Lotts of :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: to your DH! The taper does mess with you head! You feel like you will lose everything b/c you are not running as much. He will be fine! And will do great...enjoy the taper!
Christa

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Lisa - AGGKKKHHHH! So sorry to hear about the joint pain!!! I had a lot of knee pain (mine comes and goes) I took the glucosamine and that is also the reason I bought those CW-X tights. It stopped after I did both, but resurfaces on really uneven terrain like trails or bushwacking! I don't know if the tights and glucosamine helped or if it was just that I had to work through the pain as I built up muscles? Now i have it on the other side of my same knee! I'm thinking it is either related to excess use or just the same deal. I'm really knock kneed so I'm sure there is some anatomical prob, but I figure this high mileage is not an every day event, so I'm ingoring it! I hope everything is ok!!!!!



That makes me feel better. The PT didn't say stop running or Xtrain. I am sure if that was an issue--he would have said something. I did my run in the PT office today (on a treadmill of course. :earboy2: ) and stopped midway and had him look at my knee and he said it looked good.

He upped my strength training to 3x per week...now I just have to figure out how to squeeze all those in between rest days and such. It seems he wants me to do the strength training before a run if I do both on the same day.

I will get some glucosamine tomorrow. I'm afraid if I get one more gadget for my knee that hubby is going to go :earseek: .

The PT didn't seem too concerned that I was doing new damage. A combination of factors--including not icing immediately post run. :rolleyes1 and forgetting to put compression back on post 8-mile run last week. So now it is carrying a cooler with ice when I go places to run so that I can ice immediately. And taking my Nabumetone (sp?)--anti-inflammatory plus pain relief pill that i have.

Thanks for all the supplement suggestions--any idea where I purchase this stuff?

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Melissa, great pics! OK, what is it about all you endurance athletes with huge smiles on your faces?? The only thing going through my head is left-right, left-right and breathe in-out, in-out. I should be able to muster up a smile at the finish line, after all it is Disney!! :earboy2:

Well, here I am almost finished packing, tomorrow morning we are heading out to DH's marathon at Kiawah. I have to say the last two weeks of his taper has been torture on me. I think the taper period does funny things to a person's head (his head, not mine) :rotfl: ! I am quite surprised at how he can feel like superman ready to save the world and then turn into the most pessimistic creature alive. I shouldn't be so critical because I am sure my mind will be playing games on me as well. I am really excited for him and DD6 and DS8 are excited about going too. I hope he does well. He should have perfect weather.

Heather, congratulations on all your accomplishments!

Again, so much happening on this thread today. I know there was more I wanted to say.

Thanks to everyone for your opinions on my hotel stay, right now I think I am leaning toward the Swan, but who knows.

Colleen


Good luck this weekend!!!! :wizard: :wizard:

At this point--pick a hotel that is available--that's my suggestion ;).

Swan would be very nice I imagine. I have heard wonderful reviews of that hotel :)

[TEK224]

Colleen - sending :wizard: :wizard: to DH for his marathon.

Lisa - Hope the knee is feeling better. Glad you didn't have to stop training.

I got in a decent workout today. Did the aerobic program on the exercise bike for 40 min. and followed with 30 min. on the treadmill (what torture!)

The thing I was happy with was I jogged practically the whole 30 minutes (except for a quick potty break :blush: ). The quad seemed to hold up fine. No pain. :)

If I can get to the gym tomorrow (through the snow), may try the TM again (yes, I'm a glutton for punishment :teeth: ).

Terri

[littlegreydonkey]

It came, it came - I am complete with packet. Am also weeping again, I don't even know Todd on page 33, why should a picture of a woman holding up a sign telling him to run set me off again. Helen

[Lisa loves Pooh]

It came, it came - I am complete with packet. Am also weeping again, I don't even know Todd on page 33, why should a picture of a woman holding up a sign telling him to run set me off again. Helen

:cheer2: :cheer2:

[Tiger Lily 03]

Yay for the packets arriving.
Boo for the TM running, but I guess we must mustn't we... :pug:
Good luck to the racers who still have events b4 our big one.
Loved all the pics.
What do you mean look like a cow?
Swan would be good, comfy beds for sure I am told. Not much sleeping will be going on that night/eve so shorter walk for later wake up might work, but I'm at BW, will wake early and enjoy the early wandering time and the "loo line." :teeth: :rotfl:
Stop it with the injuries already! :wizard: PD to everyone. No more aches.
Thanks to all the lurkers for coming over. I certainy love hearing from you and look forward to your support especially as this time is getting shorter.
Emotions are running up up and away...

[TEK224]

Woke up this morning and it's snowing like crazy! Roads are covered and the news is saying stay home if at all possible. I live in a somewhat hilly area, so any snow/ice means not much driving. Guess my exercise will be shovelling snow today :rolleyes:

Double Ugh!!! Woke up this morning to quad pain. (Not pain really, but some minor discomfort, like I may have aggravated it on the TM last night. QUAD has become my four-letter word! :mad:

Stay safe today!

Terri

[chimera]

I'm supposed to be XT today, but Xmas shopping and errand running will likely get in the way of that. The 4-day work week is rough Mon thru Thurs, but I love it on Fridays :goodvibes

Christa...we have pigs, donkeys, elephants, gorillas, goats, a camel and a zebra on this team, but I have yet to see any cows. You look great, dude! :dog:

Colleen...I've slept around WDW, but never at the Swan, though I've heard they have those really nice beds. POR beds are fine but doubles do seem small even for not tall folks. Worst we ever had was one room at WL (not the villas) where the bed was like concrete.

Helen...I'm thinking there will be lots of weeping for the entire weekend for me. I imagine a fair amount at Trail's End just 'cause I finally get to meet some of you, then there's the half, then watching y'all in the full [sniff] :sad:

Kathy...yikes! :grouphug:

On MP3 players, when I use the MP3 during a run, I don't use the armband that came with it...I just slide it onto the wrist band of my Garmin. I have a Sandisk 1G that I love, DH has an IRiver 1G that he loves and we got DD12 a Sansa 1G that expands up to 2G for Xmas. DH insisted on getting the MP3s that have flash memory instead of hard drives, but I can't remember why.
I have an AUX jack in my car that I can plug mine directly into the stereo system (and I have a big 'ol subwoofer :teeth: )

:wizard: for all of you running in snow :cold: . Y'all are hardcore!

[plutosmyfav]

I ended up running on the TM last night instead of XT. I did that so I could claim SUB-100 MILES FROM DISNEY!!!! :cool1: I did 6.3 miles at 6.5 mph, .5% incline. I haven't done any real speed work for several weeks, but I'm happy with being able to do 6.5/.05.

I'm planning on doing my LR on the TM today. TG its only 14 miles. Next weeks 22 miles better be on the road!!!!!!

mp3: I recently switched to a Napster to Go account and got their premier 1G flash memory player. You get to download unlimited music for $14.95 per month. The catch is, once you cancel your subscription your music will no longer play. I carry my player in my fanny pack or attached to my fuel belt depending on which I'm wearing. Or, on the TM, I just sit it on the machine (I have a set of headphones with a really long cord).

Helen-- congrats on being the proud receiver of a packet :cloud9: If we see Todd this year we'll all jump him in a group hug :rotfl2:

Sunny

[wtpclc]

Yay for Helen!

mp3 - mine came with a belt clip. I clip it to my waist band or fanny pack band.

Got my new marathone camera yeaterday! A refurbishe Canon Elph. Tiny! Fits in the amphipod pouch!

Speaking of smiling in pics..... I was tellign dh that I hoped I was still capable of smiling around teh time I went through the castle. Well, on our 12-miler, around mile 10, just thinking about going through the castle made me smile! So, I should be ok. ;)

There are no cows here! Just beautiful ATHELETES!!!!

Well, we got 4 to 6" last night. SHould make Saturday's 8-miler interesting. So who wants to put us up for the weekend in a place where there's no snow so that we cacn do our 20-miler? ;) We're thinking about getting one of those last minute weekend getrawy trips fo rnext weekend. Getting desperate around here! :teeth:

Have a wonderful weekend all! I'm taking my camera for a trial run Saturday. You'll not an increase in whitness since the last pics I posted! :earboy2:

[aladdinsgirl]

Good morning from the great white tundra!!!! We got dumped on yesterday afternoon--I think we have about 6-7 inches of snow. :cold: It took me an hour to get home from work and I work 15 miles from home, but I can't complain because it took some of my co-workers 3, 4, and 5 hours!!!! :earseek: So all that snow = treadmill!!! Yippee. (Note the sarcaism. :) ) It really wasn't that bad, I did 50 minutes and I went 4 miles, I ran a little slower than I normally do, (11:32 mile) but I was okay with that. Yesterday was the first day I ran since Saturday, I was starting to get burned out and since this week is a taper, I took a couple of days off before the big push next week. Oh, guess what, I have good news, I'm an aunt (for the 8th time), my sister had a baby on Wednesday, a little girl, Alexandria Grace-Marie. She is 6 lb 10 oz and 18 inches long, I haven't seen her yet, (they live an hour away) but Stephen and I are going to try to brave the roads tonight.

Helen--I did the same thing! I got a little teary-eyed looking through the packet and I had to flip through it fast so I wouldn't cry. I'm glad that I'm not the only cry baby!!

Heather--Congratulations!! Is there anything you can't do??? :goodvibes

Lisa--Take care of yourself!! Do you think you made someone mad and they put a curse on you??

Kathy-- :grouphug:

Sunny, Terri, Craig, and all other Northerners--Sorry that you are getting our weather. Stay safe and warm today!

Colleen--While PO is nice for it's convenience to the start line, I would definitely pick the Swan. We stayed at the Dolphin in October for 1 night, trust me, those beds ARE heavenly!! Plus the Epcot resort area is my favorite corner of WDW.

Everyone be careful today!! Good luck tomorrow with your lr's!! :wizard:

Krista princess:

[Minnie]

Helen - I have learned the sacrum is a very nasty piece of our body. I'd love to give mine the old heave hoe at this point. I have yet to find relief even with two PT and much chiro visits. A specialist is in my future in the New Year. I am so glad that you were able to get relief so quickly though :sunny:

[MelRhoads]

Colleen - You visited my dreams last night. I dreamed that I was going to have to do the 20 on the TM b/c EC might be out of town (that part is true - I hate running alone) Anyway, I knew you were doing your 20 this upcoming week too, so I dreamed I set up my laptop so we could IM each other during the TM LR!

[Calcio]

Yes the heavens have opened up today. We are in the 12 inch + band on the local weather forecasts. The timing couldn't be better, however, as final exams start tomorrow, and the snow is conducive for me getting lots of work done today. Hopefully my offspring, facing her 2 most rigorous final exams tomorrow and Sunday, is also getting lots of studying done.

I likely did my last indoor track workout last night. The athletic center closes next Thursday, and until then I'll be on the bike and the treadmill. It doesn't re-open until just before we leave for Orlando, so this was it. I cannot say I love that track, but after running 11.5 miles on the treadmill on Sunday it's at least nice to be moving, even if it only is around and around.

I did have a good one yesterday, 4.0 miles in 36 minutes. I felt strong and the pace felt easy the entire way. I'd pay a lot of money to be able to pull 4 miles at 9 minutes per mile out of the hat for the last 4 miles on January 8. I see on the course map that the 22 mile point is on World Drive, just as you turn right towards the entry to the Disney Studios. To come in the last leg at that pace would be absolutely glorious. Too bad that by then my actual pace will be somewhere between a walk and a crawl.

I must admit I have am experiencing the sin of extreme satisfaction. I'm able to go far longer than I could just a few months ago, and the next day I'm able to get up and have another strong workout, which was certainly not true not too long ago. I know I'm ready for a good half, the question the little voice inside me keeps asking is, "what about that full-marathon-thing which you were dumb enough to also sign up for?" Unfortunately I do not have an answer to that one.

29 days to the half. Happy training all.

Craig

[TEK224]

Krista - Congrats on being auntie! It is so much fun. I have 20 nieces and nephews!

Craig - I'm having the same worries about the marathon. I don't think the 1/2 will be too much of a problem if I stay at my pace. I just worry whether I can continue on for another 13.1 miles :earseek: .

I'm trying to keep a postive mental attitude about it and visualize myself going through each park and feeling the excitement. All I know is the adrenaline better be kicking in real good that day! :)

We got about 7 inches of the white stuff today. So I'm off to shovel!

Terri

[Tiger Lily 03]

...I've slept around WDW, but never at the Swan, though I've heard they have those really nice beds... Mel, So the rumors are true! :earseek: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: -- (sorry I just couldn't resist)
Terri, hope the quad pain is gone by now. :wizard: PD to you.
Craig and Terri, I'm with ya on wondering if I can make the end. I know the first half I've got. It's those last darn miles AND the time constraint. I could crawl otherwise, just not fast enough and I am not doing the Goofy.

:wizard: PD to all of us as we get closer

[chimera]

Mel, So the rumors are true! :earseek: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: -- (sorry I just couldn't resist)


Lily...yep...that's me you've been reading about on the bathroom walls ;) Guess that'll teach me to read my posts before I submit them. :blush:

Heather...congrats on making partner! Does that change your responsibilities at the office? I know nothing about law except that it's best to stay on the right side of it.

Carrie...come on down! I can absolutely guarantee you there'll be no snow here :sunny:

Does walking around the neighborhood pulling a wagon count as XT? I'm thinking about taking the wild todd for a walk to look at the lights tonight.

10 miles tomorrow :scared1:

[MelRhoads]

Mel - all parenting counts as cross training!!!!

Sunny - you would have been ashamed of me today!!!! I knew i could not get out to ride or kayak (my normal x-t) I was downstairs, where we have a nice universal weight mach and some free weights. I decided that since it was here, i could xt by lifting. I hate lifting b/c i realized a couple of yrs ago that it cuts into my nap time! Anyway, all that being said, I reduced my arms to jello. IT ONLY TOOK ME ABOUT 15 MINUTES!!!

Lisa - When you registered to have your split times e-mailed/text messaged to your family, how did you do that? I noticed it said we could do that in the packet, but I can't find out how to do it!

[gatorphipps]

Melissa - I am right there with you. It would take me 10 minutes to get the jello.

Well today we did a 12 miler. I would say only but we were SLOW! averaged out to be 10:35 min miles. Next week will be the last double LR then taper! :cool1: But next week is 12 on Thursday and 24 on Friday. An I was worried about the marathon. That was nothing compared to the run that looms ahead! But after that 15 then 8 then MARATHON! So close yet so far away! LOVE THE TAPER! :love:
Christa

[plutosmyfav]

Well I did a series of poor planning...

Since it was a white out, I left work early and went to the Y to do my LR. I figured if I left there by 3 I'd have no trouble getting DS before 6 (closing time for the afterschool program). I did my LR on the TM :crazy: I set out for 14 but got nervous about the time and stopped at 13.2. It was actually pretty nice because the TMs are right up against a full windowed wall and the snow was mezmerizing. I watched cars slip and slide and go off the road. I watched tow trucks come and get them and plow after plow after plow. In fact, I made a game of peeking at the numbers ever 5th plow! So I'm running my little heart out enjoying the snow and then around mile 12 it hits me.... I'M GOING TO HAVE TO SHOVEL THIS STUFF TO GET INTO MY DRIVEWAY!!!!! Not only did I expend all of my energy on the TM but yesterday I did the hardest 65 minute "jello-izing" weight session of my life! While I'm realizing this it never occurred to me that driving might also be a problem. The actual driving was fine because I have a super-duper Rav4. BUT the traffic didn't move. It took me 2 1/2 hours to get from the Y to DS which is only a 3 mile drive. Then, just as I suspected, the driveway was barracaded by a huge plow wall (read CEMENT). SO I ended up doing 90 minutes of nonstop back-breaking shoveling after my LR. (Dx plows for a town 4 towns away so I'm on my own in storms).

Oh and running boogers are nothing compared to shoveling boogers. I guess its because you are bent over most of the time. FOrget farmer's blow, mittens or any other means of expelling them, I just let 'em all hang out! The IC really kicks in when its shoveling time. She gets kind of like Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump during the storm at sea. Except she fights both the storm and the street plows. You should hear her language when they come along and reform the plow wall she just punched out :rotfl: I'm ashamed of her!!!!

So now DS and I are STARVED and I've earned like a million activity points so we're heading back out to eat.

I could have been home sipping hot cocoa all afternoon if it wasn't for my LR. The insanity abounds....

Oh but i'm so glad I got it in because I know I won't get a chance all weekend.

Next week 22 on the TM. The Y staff is going to call the men in white coats to come drag me off the TM :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Sunny

[plutosmyfav]

Mel - all parenting counts as cross training!!!!

Sunny - you would have been ashamed of me today!!!!

Not at all! I'm proud of you! Just keep doing it and pretty soon you'll be hoisting that bike over the top of your head for the hike a bike photos :banana:

Sunny

[plutosmyfav]

Colleen - You visited my dreams last night. I dreamed that I was going to have to do the 20 on the TM b/c EC might be out of town (that part is true - I hate running alone) Anyway, I knew you were doing your 20 this upcoming week too, so I dreamed I set up my laptop so we could IM each other during the TM LR!

That's so funny. I didn't think of IMing anyone while on the TM but while I was sitting in my car for hours and not moving I kept thinking "oh I wish I had a laptop with wireless internet so I could be on the boards" I was really bored!

I did flip through the channels on the TV (listening to my music) and I stopped on the Disney channel because a Goofey chartoon was on. I saw the green hat and the floppy ears and started laughing because I could picture you running just like that!!!! Of course this action will add to the Y staff feeling the need to call the men in white coats I'm sure...

But IMing on the TM is a really cool idea! Maybe we could do a teleconference :rotfl2:

OK, I really must get some food in me. I think my low blood sugar is making me loopy. What? I'm loopy anyway?????? :rotfl:

Sunny

[TEK224]

Originally Posted by chimera
...I've slept around WDW, but never at the Swan, though I've heard they have those really nice beds...

Mel - I was trying to be nice when I read this (unlike Lily ;) ). When I read your post, I thought uh-oh She didn't realize how that would sound. Then (being naughty) I thought, I wonder who she slept with - Mickey (boy, would Minnie be mad), Goofy (boy, would I be mad) or maybe Chip and Dale (bet that would be fun :earseek: )

But I only thought it, I didn't write to tease you about it (until now) :teeth:

Terri

[TiffJ]

Oh and running boogers are nothing compared to shoveling boogers. I guess its because you are bent over most of the time. FOrget farmer's blow, mittens or any other means of expelling them, I just let 'em all hang out! The IC really kicks in when its shoveling time. She gets kind of like Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump during the storm at sea. Except she fights both the storm and the street plows. You should hear her language when they come along and reform the plow wall she just punched out :rotfl: I'm ashamed of her!!!!

Sunny

O.k. this had me busting out laughing the second I read it. DH was in the other room wanting to know what I was laughing at. I told him I would have to explain too many posts for him to get it. When actually I dont want to tell him we've been talking about running boogers :rotfl:

I did 10 miles on the bike today. Felt great! Man I can't wait to get a real bike.

[chimera]

Terri...two words...Tarzan Rocks! ;)

Wow...10 miles is a long way! Ended up with a 14:14 pace (2:22:20). Today's menu...honey shots at miles 3, 6, 9 and peanut butter crackers at 5 and 7. I definitely feel better mentally on this regimen, but start tiring out physically around mile 8. I think as long as I can stay in the game mentally, sheer orneriness will get me across the finish. I'm doing 12 next weekend, then I'll do the normal MFM taper with everyone else.

Purchased a big ol' lime green posterboard yesterday so we'll all know where to meet each other for Trail's End. If anyone else wants to join us, I believe there's still seats!

4 weeks, guys! Can you believe it...only 4 more weeks? :earseek:

[keenercam]

Hi, everyone! 6 on the TM this morning. 10 next week. Since we'll be away, I've decided to work 1/2 day on Friday so I can do my last LW in the morning before work. Today was 85:40 (14:17 pace).
Have been sitting here giggling reading about cement wallls (of the non-marathon type) and running boogers, and IMing on the TM and really appreciating what a fun bunch you all are.
Have a great weekend, everyone!

[TiffJ]

Yep Cam-we should have a blast at Trail's End!

I did 3 miles 14:26 pace incl warm up. Tomorrow is my LR.

Have a great weekend everyone! We have Cub Scout Christmas party today & the circus tomorrow. Can't wait for the circus, it will be DS4 first time & I haven't been since I was a kid.

[gatorphipps]

OK...I had big plans to swim today and totally stick to WW! :rotfl2: I am eating choc chip cookie dough and never did swim. I am so crazy! :confused3 Oh well...I have a show tonight where I am Mary, the mother of Jesus. I have to ride a donkey...does this count as xtraining? I also had to ride the beast the night of my marathon...this hurt! :earseek:
Christa

[xterratri]

Mapquest says it should take 1 hr 17 min to drive the 72 miles from Biddeford ME to Lawrence MA and that's about what it took to come back today. It took over 3 1/2 hours to go the distance yesterday. Why did three of my classmates and myself drive down into MA on an afternoon when school was closed due to weather conditions? We had tickets to Bon Jovi last night at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston. The original plan was to drive to one classmate's parents house in northern MA and then her dad was going to drive us into Boston. We ended up deciding to just head into Lawrence and take the T in. The inbound train was about 1/2 late but apparently some earlier had been running 2 hours late. Why was this insanity? Over 12 inches of snow dropped in less than 12 hours. One town just south of here, Kennebunk, registered snowfall at 4 inches in an hour. We saw over 30 vehicles off the road including a plow and visibility on the ME pike was approx 1/8 mile and even less at times. So was it worth it? Yup, yup, it was. The concert was great. In addition to the older familiar stuff, I really liked the stuff off the new album, Have a Nice Day. The main set was delayed to 8:45 due to weather and we got to our seats about 8:15. They played 2 1/2 hrs once they started though so we only had to wait about 1/2 hour for the 11:59 train back out. That train was on time and the plows had finally been out. We got to the classmate's parents house about and to bed about 1:30 this morning. Her nephew came over to wake us up about 8 and we left MA about 10.

Today's LR(actually not very long) was 8 miles. It was sunny, a little warmer than it has been lately(ie in the 30s) but there was still snow and slush on the roads. I warmed up with cross training ie unburying my car(not that I moved it, I kill a set of brakes a year because I don't drive often enough even though the cumultative mileage is reasonable because I do long trips, the fact that its parked 200 ft off the water in either direction doesn't help I'm sure). I just accepted it wasn't going to be fast and went out and enjoyed it. I'm really lookly forward to spending time snowshoeing and cross country skiing but am thankful that next week's LR(20) will be done in FL at the World. Hey Carrie, there's just 4 of us in our 2 bedroom villa if you guys want to come visit to do your LRs. I'll be doing 20 and mom will be doing 10. I need to study now though because we have exams Tues and Fri to get through before I can go to the World.

Sorry for the long post- just had to tell about the Bon Jovi Adventure. Have a nice weekend and good workouts everyone. It's getting closer.

[MelRhoads]

Christa - At least you weren't really pregnant when you rode the donkey!!! That would have been worse than the post marathon ride (i think) I have not been the queen of xt these last few weeks either. I decided I had extra hours banked due to all the bike/adventure races i've done throughout training! I think your donkey riding and marathon ought to count for something!! Plus, you have to calorie load for your upcoming lr's (right?) I just got back from eating at Acambaro where they pretty much fry and cover with cheese all food from mexico! I ate a ton!!! YUMMIE! I don't smell so good now though. I kindof smell like 5 mile run mixed with burrito.

We actually went to krispy kreme last night (i know, that's extra bad) Anyway, I was telling phil how when i went in there once, i asked the girl at the desk about the nutritional information on an original glazed. she said she didn't have it right there but that "you would have to run like, a whole mile to burn that off." So last night, i told phil "hey, I think i could have about 18 of these!!"

Today, i did my mid week run (b/c my LR day is thurs, due to preschool) 5 miles. I did about a 9:15 pace, which is pretty good for me on a training run! That made me feel a lot better after our 11:34 15 mile sub-freezing snow and ice disaster! I needed an encouraging run after that last one. Can't wait to finish the 10/20 next wed/thurs so i can start to taper. I'm hoping it does not mess with my mind, but that i can start to recover from all of the aches and pains from the slow torture of the LR's.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and great LR's

Colleen - Give us the update on hubby's marathon soon!

[plutosmyfav]

Hello!

We went Christmas tree chopping today. All the fuss of the snow yesterday made it a beautiful atmosphere for frollicking today! DS tried his hand at chopping!

http://sunnyshopper.com/clipart/christmastreechopping.jpg
http://sunnyshopper.com/clipart/christmastreechopping2.jpg

[MelRhoads]

Sunny - those were GREAT pictures!!!! You look so skinny!!!!! It looks beautiful there! (not beautiful if you are planning a long run though!)

[NYcpa]

I did part of my LW on the TM. I only walked 75 min (1.5 episodes of The Pretender). I also was not fast enough to beat the sweepers but I got the steps in. I can walk much faster outdoors.

Tomorrow is a rest day. Erin and I are driving to Long Island to spend a couple of days. Then back to Syracuse for 2.5 day, then to WDW for 8 days. Really need a vacation.

Everyone is doing great. Keep up the training.

[WDWFAN9]

I did my 6 mile LW on the TM today in 101:30 - basically 17 min miles. Like NYcpa I think I go faster outside, but I am definitely a fair-weather athlete, no way am I going to go outside in the ice and snow.

One thing I have decided for sure - no matter what happens at the half (and I have every intention of completing the course ahead of the sweepers) I am already a winner. Last January I was a confirmed couch-potato, and inspired by all the people on this board I have changed my lifestyle. While I will never be one of the big dogs like so many of you, you have helped me get up and get moving. Thanks to everyone here! I look forward to meeting you in January!

[MelRhoads]

Pat - I was having some of those same thoughts today. Like everyone, i have one more big LR and then it's taper. I was thinking about it today, and i thought that even if i don't meet my desired time goal on the races, I have accomplished a ton and i should feel really good about it. You are right we are winners for how much we have done. In fact the activity that we have put into the training has demanded much more time than the race itself will require. So we have accomplished so much already!

[chimera]

Come join us for a new week!

You'll find us in our new home on the Events/Competition Board!

Wk of Dec 11--2006 Disney Half-Full Marathon Info/Training (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=10835803#post10835803)

[Angie_Ohio]

Lily
Way to go on your long wog. On the tresdmill yet!! WOW! I am doing my final long one this weekend. Have done 20 but want to do at least 21 maybe 23. For the Akron Marathon I had previously done 21 and I felt completely prepared for the race. It was sooooo hilly. I am looking forward to running in my favorite place in the world. See you in a few days. I joined the slowest pace group which is 5:30. They will be ahead of me in the first half but I do better the second half. Still planning to wog. I finished Akron strong in 5:29.