Princess 1/2 walkers?

[Dreamer2012]

How cool a foam crown!! I hope it is not windy the day of the race! I did call sparkle skirts, unfortunately because of the late date she is not able to help... She did mention however that she is planning on offering it next year! so there is something to look forward to! I guess I will do an internet search later today and see what I can come up with.... I am a bit nervous as we are suppossed to do our 12 mile walk tomorrow - and we are expecting 3-6 inches of snow at the same time.... I really do not want to post pone the walk - I really want it over, and to know I can do it, but since I do not control the weather I will have to go with whatever happens. I would love to hear how far everyone on here as gone so far? Also does anyone who has been "swept" before have any advice for those of us who are worried about it? What happens? Where do they bring you? Etc...

[TinksApprentice]

I picked up the crown in Epcot last spring when we were there. I'm going to tack it to my cap with a few stitches. It should be fine.

If your internet search isn't successful, as Megny said (I think it was Megny) you can wear your own capri's and just get a sparkle skirt cover until you can find a running skirt to your requirements.

My longest walk is 5 miles. I am going to try again tomorrow to do a long walk on the elliptical. This week I've been working on speed and recovery. So I go as fast as I can for as long as I can, slow down until I can pick it up again, and then go as fast as I can for as long as I can. I guess it's a run/walk program like Jeff Galloway recommends. If nothing else, it's improving how quickly I can get going again if I have to rest. I'm also working on breathing exercises to make sure my breathing is as efficient as possible and I think that's helping.

I am hoping our weather clears enough between now and departure day so that I can get a long distance walk in. But it's not looking like it. At least if I have to run away from the sag wagon, I can ;p

[AliceSpark]

I did 11 miles last weekend running 30 seconds then walking 90 seconds - with a few breaks of just walking - I think I get too tired running and so my walking slows down as I was at a 18 minute mile.

This weekend I'm going to try to walk 6 miles in 90 minutes just to see what that feels like - I'm going to do it on the treadmill, which I haven't really used before at my sisters, so I can set a consistent pace.

From what I have read about the sweepers is that you get a warning and have approximately 1 mile to get back within pace - also no sweeping after mile 11.

Tinksapprentice, I would love to hear more about the breathing - when I first start my breath is all over the place, I guess because I'm nervous, it takes about 1 mile for my breath to settle into a rhythm.
Martha

[TinksApprentice]

My DH and DD both take vocal lessons. DD loves to sing and I booked them for her to build her confidence. DH also loves to sing, and I booked them for him, just for fun. DD didn't like the lessons because she found the breathing exercises annoying. DH continued with the lessons because he found the breathing exercises strenuous. He sings in the car now and said that it helps him relax when he's stressed. But he's always been a singer, so I wondered if the "proper" breathing had anything to do with his stress release. It occurred to me that my DD also suffers from anxiety issues and her therapists both recommended a breathing technique to help reduce the affects of the anxiety. So I started looking in to this proper breathing thing.

You'd think it would come naturally and that the body just does what it needs, but HA! I learned that we humans even get lazy with that! There is a lot of information on the net but I found this ebook quite informative and interesting. http://www.e-reading.org.ua/bookread..._Breathing.pdf (if the link doesn't work, google Bragg Power Breathing and you'll find it) I think it's helping. I have asthma and my breathing was very inefficient. I knew that, but I didn't know there was something I could do to fix it!

[megny]

Originally Posted by TinksApprentice

My longest walk is 5 miles. I am going to try again tomorrow to do a long walk on the elliptical. This week I've been working on speed and recovery. So I go as fast as I can for as long as I can, slow down until I can pick it up again, and then go as fast as I can for as long as I can. I guess it's a run/walk program like Jeff Galloway recommends. If nothing else, it's improving how quickly I can get going again if I have to rest. I'm also working on breathing exercises to make sure my breathing is as efficient as possible and I think that's helping.

I am hoping our weather clears enough between now and departure day so that I can get a long distance walk in. But it's not looking like it. At least if I have to run away from the sag wagon, I can ;p

Is there anyway you can get access to a treadmill? Or maybe an indoor track? You really want to get those long walks in... they are the thing that gets you to the finish. And just from my limited experience with the elliptical, you are going to be working different muscles on the elliptical vs. walking. I'm hoping you can find something that works... We're going to have quite the party pulling up the rear of this race and I want us all to make it to the finish!

Originally Posted by AliceSpark

I did 11 miles last weekend running 30 seconds then walking 90 seconds - with a few breaks of just walking - I think I get too tired running and so my walking slows down as I was at a 18 minute mile.

This weekend I'm going to try to walk 6 miles in 90 minutes just to see what that feels like - I'm going to do it on the treadmill, which I haven't really used before at my sisters, so I can set a consistent pace.

From what I have read about the sweepers is that you get a warning and have approximately 1 mile to get back within pace - also no sweeping after mile 11.

Tinksapprentice, I would love to hear more about the breathing - when I first start my breath is all over the place, I guess because I'm nervous, it takes about 1 mile for my breath to settle into a rhythm.
Martha

Congrats on the 11, if I haven't said before! 18 mm isn't too shabby since your long walks are supposed to be 1-2 minutes below your race pace anyways... you are just trying to get used to the distance. I think its a great idea for you to focus just on the walking... I've passed many a run-walker at some races who would run past me for a minute or two, then slow waaaay down to recover. At this point, if the run-walk is too slow, its great to see if the walking pace can do the job.

At the Wine & Dine, we were hanging with the sweepers pretty much the whole way... ahead of them, but close enough that the bike crew would pass us, setup their check-point, we'd pass them and hear "Your X minutes above the pace". It actually was really helpful, bcs I knew I was going to be cutting it close, and knowing where we stood allowed us to stop for a super-quick bathroom break a couple times. You have to keep your eyes out for the "balloon ladies", they are the pace keepers. If they pass you, you are in trouble and have fallen off the pace. We won't let them pass us, ladies!!

I'm aiming for 6 miles this week... on the dreadmill (uggh!) or perhaps at my work, 3 times around inside one of our building is a mile. It will be boring, but it might be better than the treadmill. We shall see. I'm glad to have this thread to hold me accountable... if I'm not here Monday reporting about my 6 miles this weekend, you ladies can let me have it!

Have a great weekend, all... Happy walking!

[John VN]

Originally Posted by AliceSpark

........I would love to hear more about the breathing - when I first start my breath is all over the place, I guess because I'm nervous, it takes about 1 mile for my breath to settle into a rhythm.
Martha

Properly controlled breathing is a vital component in maintaining consistent pacing. Matching my inhaling and exhaling to my cadence is the easiest way I have found to maintain proper breathing.

Immediately when starting out walking I do a double inhale and exhale sequenced to foot strikes. This is very rhythmic and becomes natural quickly. After warming up I can shift to the in/out with left/right foot strike if my pace is quickened. I also use my diaphragm instead of upper respiratory system.

I also breathe only through my mouth since I find it less restricting.

[TinksApprentice]

Originally Posted by megny

Is there anyway you can get access to a treadmill? Or maybe an indoor track? You really want to get those long walks in... they are the thing that gets you to the finish. And just from my limited experience with the elliptical, you are going to be working different muscles on the elliptical vs. walking. I'm hoping you can find something that works... We're going to have quite the party pulling up the rear of this race and I want us all to make it to the finish!

Thanks for the encouragement Meg. The first 4 mile walk I did was in the cold pouring rain, without proper gear (it wasn't supposed to rain and I wasn't quitting!) so that walk was really difficult and at the end I was spent. The next 5 miler that I did had a lot of up hill walking and while it was a challenge, it actually felt good! At the end, I could have gone longer physically... and wish I had.

I will get to the indoor track and get some longer walks in. I have found the walks that I have done, easier than the elliptical, so I haven't been stressing about getting out and doing an actual walk.

I've been working on speed and recovery. I'm trying to challenge my breathing past my preceived limitation and fear. This week I plan to move back to slower speed, longer distance. I do want to get some distance walks in though so I will head to the indoor track.

Congrats on the 11, if I haven't said before! 18 mm isn't too shabby since your long walks are supposed to be 1-2 minutes below your race pace anyways... you are just trying to get used to the distance. I think its a great idea for you to focus just on the walking... I've passed many a run-walker at some races who would run past me for a minute or two, then slow waaaay down to recover. At this point, if the run-walk is too slow, its great to see if the walking pace can do the job.

I agree with Megan. I'm finding it a lot easier to go the distance and keep pace by doing the slower pace, longer distance (walking). I was trying to pick up the pace to a running/jogging pace, but it's harder to maintain my stamina. While my recovery is getting better, over all, the pace really slows down the longer I go. For me I'm finding that slow and steady is the way to go.

You have to keep your eyes out for the "balloon ladies", they are the pace keepers. If they pass you, you are in trouble and have fallen off the pace. We won't let them pass us, ladies!!

That's good to know! I don't suppose it's very magical to trip the balloon ladies... or pop their balloons I guess we will just have to stay ahead of them!

I'm glad to have this thread to hold me accountable...

I'm glad to have this thread too, for all the info putting my mind at rest and for the support! It's been the most helpful part of my training!

How many of us are there now? We need to figure out a plan to find each other on race day... besides just being the gang to pull up the rear!

[TinksApprentice]

Originally Posted by John VN

Properly controlled breathing is a vital component in maintaining consistent pacing. Matching my inhaling and exhaling to my cadence is the easiest way I have found to maintain proper breathing.

Immediately when starting out walking I do a double inhale and exhale sequenced to foot strikes. This is very rhythmic and becomes natural quickly. After warming up I can shift to the in/out with left/right foot strike if my pace is quickened. I also use my diaphragm instead of upper respiratory system.

I also breathe only through my mouth since I find it less restricting.

My walking buddy works on matching her breath and cadence. I found it too distracting so stopped trying that. I do however try really hard to breath through my diaphragm (belly breathing) rather than just the chest breaths.

I have asthma. While it's well controlled, the challenge for me is the fear. The minute my breathing gets difficult my body tightens and every fiber of my being wants to stop. I have been working on challenging my respiratory fitness this past week or so and I'm learning the difference between exercise challenge and asthma challenge and getting used to the feeling of breathing hard - which is much much different to struggling to actually breath. Mentally though, this has been really hard to overcome! But I'm getting there!

[Dreamer2012]

Hi friends! Just reporting that I did the LLLOOONNNGG walk this Sunday... and was actually very pleased...I was on the treadmill...the first 4 miles I did at 4.0 / 15 min miles - but felt bored - so I decided to see if I could go a bit faster so I upped my speed to 4.2 / 14 min miles - and figured I would just see how long I could keep it up for - I did the remaining 8 miles that way!! So I completed the 12 in just under 3 hours!! I have to say I am sooo pleased to know that finishing may just be a possibility!! Now since there HAS to be something to worry about - I am concerned that without the treadmill to keep my pace I wont keep it - thoughts? Is this a legitimate worry or something I should just let go of? My friend who will be wakling with me completed 11 miles in the 3 hours - but she became very dizzy and had to stop a few times. She had been drinking water and sweating alot (she is quite a bit overweight) - Can anyone explain why this may have happened and ways to avoid it? We did have and were taking Gu, Beans, blocks - kinda experimenting. she did complete 11 miles but when went to breakfast afterwards she needed to go outside for some air as she was then feeling naseous.... Thanks for the help!

[NJDiva]

I have to say, I've been reading the comments on this thread and it really does make me feel better about my decision about walking it next year. I mentioned it to my bff and she thought it was great idea so it seems like I have a lot to work on in the next year. I have 17mm right now and I know that I need to maintain that so endurance is what I need to work on not speed. you all have truly encouraged me to do this. I had a meltdown the other day with my bff in FL (he's a strongman and religously works out) and he pretty much said a lot of what was stated here. so I have my work cut out for me but I really think I can do it. good luck to all of you running/walking this year. I hope that this time next year I can be an inspiration to someone else

[TinksApprentice]

30 Days til the fun begins! How's everyone doing?

This week I'm working on picking up some speed, and recovery. I've been doing 2 mile workouts on the elliptical, trying to keep the pace consistent rather than doing the walk/run pace. I'm happy with how it feels.

Hoping to get out one day this week for a 7 mile walk but it depends on the weather.

Hey Megny, how was your long walk over the weekend?

[AliceSpark]

I have been wondering about Megny too! Hope it went great!

I tried doing 6 miles in 90 minutes on my sister's treadmill but I think I broke the treadmill.
Anyway, I did 3 miles and was fine but it was an effort - then yesterday took advantage of beautiful weather we are having here and did a run/walk for 3 miles with a 15.2 mpm. In the middle I did my magic mile in 13.2 - JG says I need to be at 12.35 for an estimate time but I am improving. Just wish I had two more weeks.
Martha

[megny]

Originally Posted by TinksApprentice

30 Days til the fun begins! How's everyone doing?

This week I'm working on picking up some speed, and recovery. I've been doing 2 mile workouts on the elliptical, trying to keep the pace consistent rather than doing the walk/run pace. I'm happy with how it feels.

Hoping to get out one day this week for a 7 mile walk but it depends on the weather.

Hey Megny, how was your long walk over the weekend?

Yay for 30 days! Holy cow, its going to be here so soon! I'm glad the steady pace seems to be working for you... I'll be hoping for the weather to cooperate for you!

So... goodness gracious... no 6 miles for me this past weekend. The weekend was ridiculously busy... I have 5 kids, constant activities, and then somehow I found myself volunteering to organize a charity bowl-a-thon. My husband was able to get his training run in, so that's great... but mine got skipped over. Going to forgive myself and move onto this coming weekend, 8 miles. Hoping its going to be no problem, since it was only 2.5 weeks ago that I did the Chip N Dale 1/2. Muscle memory - bring it!

Originally Posted by AliceSpark

I have been wondering about Megny too! Hope it went great!

I tried doing 6 miles in 90 minutes on my sister's treadmill but I think I broke the treadmill.
Anyway, I did 3 miles and was fine but it was an effort - then yesterday took advantage of beautiful weather we are having here and did a run/walk for 3 miles with a 15.2 mpm. In the middle I did my magic mile in 13.2 - JG says I need to be at 12.35 for an estimate time but I am improving. Just wish I had two more weeks.
Martha

Thanks for checking in on me, gang! And about breaking the treadmill! A few months ago I did 8 miles on the treadmill, and it overheated FIVE times!

Way to smoke that Magic Mile, Martha! Keep it up!


And last but not least, welcome to the thread NJDiva! You absolutely can do it!

[TinksApprentice]

I have officially given up on the weather here! It was supposed to be warm and clear this week and it's been damp and cold and either raining or snowing all week!

I kept up with the short and fast workouts on the elliptical in the meantime. It was supposed to be an amazing +4 here today (that's about 39 for you guys) and sunny. It wasn't. So I went to an indoor track. There aren't many around here. This one is small. 17 times around for a mile. UGH. But I was determined to get 90 minutes in. I didn't go as fast as I could have. I went with a friend who couldn't go any faster. I should have just gone at my pace, but I didn't. However, it was beneficial because it did feel very slow to me, I felt great when it was done, I could have done a lot longer, my recovery was immediate, and while my body feels like it has done a workout, it's by no means spent.

When I got home I calculated the results. According to the info at the track I did 5.29 miles. My pedometer says 4.5 miles. The pace was incredibly slow and I knew it. I feel much more confident about being out on the course and knowing that I'm on pace (I don't want to rely on my watch or pedometer). When I first started training, I did one mile at this pace and thought I would DIE in my car when I was done. Today, as I type this I'm kicking my *** for not pushing myself, but I did the distance and could have done much more (faster and longer). I do feel the improvement, on many levels and my confidence is boosted.

So a short sprint on the elliptical tomorrow, I'll take Saturday off, and Sunday I'll slow the pace down and increase the distance.

Megny, life is like that. I'm sure that you made the correct choices. It's not like you just didn't bother with your training.

Sorry about the treadmill Martha! Stupid machine! You must have really made it work! Good for you :D

NJDiva, welcome! Trust me, if I can do you, you can do it!

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

[TinksApprentice]

So SuzySharp, how was your race today?! I can't wait to read all your details!