2008 - C25K program :) WELCOME!!

[3DisneyKids]

First of all, girl, you are doing GREAT!!! I don't know HOW you run for almost an hour, whether it's inside or outside! I hope to be like you someday!

As for the hip....I don't know exactly what you're feeling, but I can share my hip issues in case yours is similar...I had a constant ache and sometimes shooting pain in my left hip. Only the left. Couldn't figure it out. I went to an orthopedic doctor because I couldn't bear it anymore. Turns out it was bursitis. From running. (me? I'm a beginner, not a marathoner!!) I went through PT and was talking with one of the PT's and she explained that it's because I always ran the same route. An out & Back along the shoulder of the road, switching sides on my way back. I was told in the beginning to run against traffic so you can see the cars coming, so that's what I did every run. Anyway, that constant slight lean to the left (the road slightly slopes toward the curb) is what caused the bursitis. To make a long story even longer...the PT didn't do it for me. So I opted for the cortisone shot in my hip and here I am running again. I'm smarter about it now. I run out & back on the same side of the road (even lean-time) or I run in the woods on a trail. Bursitis pain is under your hip bone, sort of more of an upper thigh area (hard to describe, but you can probably google it). If it's bursitis that you're experiencing, once you know the spot, and push on it, you'll see stars. Hopefully that's not it, but if it is...it's not the end of the world.

Sorry to ramble on there - hopefully none of you guys have to go through that!

Thanks for the info., Kim. I have had bursitis before, so I am pretty familiar with that pain, and I don't think that is what it is. But great tip about running on the shoulder!

The reason I can't figure out the pain is because, well, it moves! lol Seriously, it is always the right hip, but often times it is way upper/inner thigh--like the adductor muscle. And then, the next time I feel pain, it is definitely hip...outer hip pain definitely. Then again, sometimes it is down one butt cheek and down my hamstring like sciatica! So I totally cannot tell what the heck is going on!

The first 5 minutes of every run are pretty torturous...not really painful, but uncomfortable...and my gait is just way way way off...I feel like I am really lumbering along. And then, after I am all warmed up, I cruise through the rest of my run...until about the last 5 minutes or so, which is when I start feeling fatigued anyway.

Very strange.

Today was the first time since I started running (about 10 weeks ago) that I could not complete my scheduled run. Not sure why....just had a tough go of it, so I stopped after about 27 minutes (planned 40) and walked the rest of the time and then a bit longer to make up for the lack of running. Also did some strength training. I have been told that you just have "off days" once in a while that cannot be explained, so I am not stressing about it too much. And again, I see my coach tomorrow.

Hi everyone - I got my MRI results yesterday here they are:

Herniation at C4-5 with mild impingement of the thecal sac. At C6 there is a lesion consistant with atypical hemangioma. The radiologist is requesting clinical correlation.

Ruling out MS is HUGE! So that is great news! Keep us posted on the rest of the info. Hang in there!

I did it Week 4 that is. I got in the whole thing at the right time. I found the first two runs actually easy! Can you believe that?? I had to use all of my mental strength to get me through the last 5 minutes, but I prevailed. Just two more week 4 runs and I get to graduate to week 5 and then stay there until I'm 80 .

I have decided that this whole running thing is 90% mental, so now that I have completed week 4 once, I can do it again (a-la Harry Potter and his stag). I know I can do it since I have already done it.

Congrats! That is great news! And you are so right...it is definitely a very mental thing!

 

[swim-mom]

swim-mom, i totally feel for you..i have had neck problems in the past, and it wasn't til i had an MRI that they found out i had a herniated disc (i believe C4) and also a bulgeing disc (c5) which were like yours pressing on the nerves-- so believe me, i know all too well the unbelievable pain that it can cause!! I had these issues off an on for a few years, and every dr. that i went to - including a "specialist" said, "oh, it's probably a pulled muscle", they gave me sleeping pills, and muscle relaxers, which didn't TOUCH the pain at all so ---- i knew it was way more than that,i am not an idiot.. so i went to a chiro. and HE scheduled the mri, I don't want any kind of surgery, and for what i had, there wasn't anything else to do for it, so i am just dealing, taking my chances it won't come back again.. it has been ok for a couple years now.. knock on wood..
It seems it acts up every now or then if i do something that really is stupid and aggravate it, but so far it's been ok lately!

But, it is one of the worst pains you can imagine, so i know where you are coming from.. it's just awful.

Sending pixie dust your way!!!!

I give you alot of credit dealing with the pain and everything else that comes with it. I have decided that when I see the dr. tomorrow, if he mentions surgery I am going to go and do it. I am 33 with four children and I have alot of life left to live, plus in Sept it is my last year of grad school. So timing after Sept is not an option since I do not want to miss graduation. Not to mention that with my masters I am going to be in a school, and if my neck acts up before I have tenure I could have a problem and maybe lose my job. Again, everything just goes to show that if I need surgery now is the time to do it. Crazy I know, but I want to get it over and done with..........so I can just get back to everything.

I just dread tomorrow being told to stop running, but I guess at 3ish tomorrow I will know what the plan is. I will keep you posted....still hoping to run today though

Huge hugs to all of you for caring, it means alot to me!!

 

[Caitsmama]

Well, good luck tomorrow, and keep us posted as soon as you get back!! And as i said, if i had constant pain, maybe it would have been different, but mine would come/go sometimes it would come for a couple weeks, then disappear for a year.. weird.
Sending thoughts/prayers/pixie dust to you!

 

[swim-mom]

I think that is the exact spot my DH had surgery on. He had the area fused with donor bone. They went in through the front of the neck. He spent one night, 6 weeks off work and 4 months later we were at WDW and he rode all the thrill rides with our sons since I was 8 months pregnant!

Dh also had the neck pain and numbness off and on. He is good now!

Thank you so MUCH for posting that That is what I needed to hear, because the internet does not go into success stories!!

WOW, four months later...................I hope I am as lucky if I do need it

 

[deekaypee]

Well, I wish I could say I was glad to be back. But that means I'm back from WDW, after a too-short weekend. Since I had to come back, though, I will say that I'm glad to be back HERE.

Stacy: So are you up for the "new & improved" (?) version of the Minnie if they offer it. I'm sooo in if the rumors are true, even though the princess theme makes me laugh. Oh, I'm a pretty princess, I am.

Yay for hitting a new PB. You're getting stronger & faster! And I'm sure your mom will appreciate how important good running shoes are for this journey.

Kim: I just put some songs by The Hives on my iPod so that we can almost be training together. Did you--will you--can you take advantage of the free dining for your September trip?

Allyson: You're far braver/bolder/stronger than DH for running in that temp--or myself! I'm a weather wimp! I'm so glad I'll be able to root for you during the January 1/2! Yay for your finishing W3 again. Being able to say you've done it is quite the accomplishment, isn't it?

Raenstoirm: I've had to redo weeks, too, building up the the time suggested because I just couldn't push through. It sounds to me like you're making progress and balancing the program with your body's needs. ANd it sounds like you've hit upon your running with walking interval strategy for week 4. I know you can do it!

ETA: And now I just read about your success! I knew you could do it, and I so agree with the mental aspect.

Carol: Congratulations!!!! Thanks for the feedback on C25K. I just know it's going to help many people. FWIW to people, I agree with Carol's assessment of the middle of the program--where I found myself having to overcoming the mental resistance to running that far. (Although I suspect I felt that way on most weeks, but the earlier fears got wiped out by the middle of the program. Selective amnesia, you know!)

Swim-Mom: Running in the rain? Are you crazy? You are a runner, not only because you did it, not only because you chose to do it, but because you enjoyed it. What a great feeling that must have been!

About your MRI results. Wow. First, I'm so glad MS has been ruled out, and I'll continue to hope that cysts & tumors aren't present. I'm happy that you're so balanced about possible surgery and that, as you said, it could be worse. I still think you're incredibly calm and brave. Your attitude about the when of the surgery also puts everything into a holistic perspective about your life. Good for you!

Plus, you crack me up with your decision to run before the Dr. changes his mind. You got the running bug bad, girl!

Erika: Thanks for the b-day wishes. One of the (many) highlights of the trip? Being able to run on Disney property. It brought back fond memories. I just wish the weekend hadn't been so rainy because, unlike Swim-Mom, I don't like to do rain. (See below.)

And yeah for you for transitioning to running outside. It sounds like it's going well for you and that you've got a solid strategy for avoiding injury, etc. while you move into the great outdoors. I just know you're going to enjoy the challenge of speed work, too. I just hope your hip doesn't give you problems--it sounds like your coach might be able to help out, though, given his qualifications. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

About the interrupted run. You've got a great attitude about it, in part because you know about the necessity of rest days and that you're going to have off-days. I also think part of it is that you know you're committed to running, too, and see yourself as a runner. A bad run isn't the end of the world or a sign that you've failed. It's just a bad run...because you're a runner. I hope to get to that mindset.

Fitswimmer: Thanks for the heads-up on the RW article. I need to dig around our house & find the magazine. You sound absolutely energized and inspired by it. And how cool is it that you got right on the TM & did it?

dkostel: Welcome. It sounds like you're doing quite well already, listening to your body, and tailoring the program to fit your needs.

mom2mykids: Welcome! Please keep us updated on your progress. And don't be afraid to tailor the program to your needs--that's what works best for most of us! I found the incentive of a Disney race is what first motivated me, but everything else--including how I feel when I'm running--is what keeps me moving.

As for me: Well, I've had a little bit of a break from running, what with the trip and all. I'd made a mental decision not stress about my training program over the weekend--to balance the running with the birthday celebration. So I didn't get any workout in on Friday, as it was a travel day & once we got to WDW I needed to eat, explore my surprise resort (the Poly, where I'd never stayed before), and then get into the parks as soon as possible for the Flower & Garden Show & our ADR. I did get a chance to run on Saturday for a brief time before our character breakfast. I probably SHOULD have gotten up earlier, but I didn't, and so I was only able to squeeze in 1/2 hour before the day. Still, I felt pretty good & the scenery was fabulous.

Unfortunately, that was the last run of my stay. It rained on Saturday and we got caught in the parks. The rain doesn't bother me, generally, because I figure it's good for crowds & touring. But my (non-running) shoes & socks got wet, and irony of ironies, I ended up with blisters in places I don't usually get blisters. So I ended up limping back to the hotel & that pretty much cut out my running for the weekend. I tried again on Sunday--in the rain (it rained ALL day) and that was not a good idea with the already-existent blisters. They even made running on the health club's TM too painful, so I switched to their elliptical.

And Monday was another travel day, so I chose to spend Monday & today letting my blisters heal more fully. It makes me mildly irritated, since I came back to sunny weather in the 60s, great for an outdoor run. My first post-vacation run where, you guessed it, more rain is predicted. If so, I'll be on a TM. Because unlike Swim-Mom, I just can't run in the rain (or even walk) without getting blisters.

Okay, that sounds like one huge complaint. It's not. I had a great time at WDW and I really like running there. Everyone should get a chance to do it!

 

[Caitsmama]

Debra.. well, as for the "princess" we'll have to see.... lol.. but if i am going to happen to be in WDW during that time, i would feel guilty if i wasn't doing it.. so..i guess it's a POSSIBILITY!! LOL Never say never right?! LOL
So, how was the F&G show? I can't wait to see it!! And did you love the poly?? That is one of my FAV'S now, we will be there next thanksgiving (2009)- this year it's the BC.
And, i am right with ya, i am a raining wimp.

 

[pjupton]

Also, I'm..uh..top heavy, So running isn't always comfortable.

I've found that wearing TWO sports bras makes a world of difference. I know there are some really nice ones available, but for now I'm just doubling up on the cheap Hanes or Champion bras and it seems to work - I finished week six today!

 

[swim-mom]

WELCOME BACK!!! Deb - Although alittle rainy for you, it still sounds like you had a great birthday trip Sorry to hear about the gifts you brought back (blisters), just remember they will heal in time............plus you needed a couple rest days and you did not know it

Ericka - I agree with Deb, you are a runner who just had an OFF day. Just like anything in life when you fall off of a bike you get back on. So tomorrow get back on, because you won't forget how to run....I PROMISE

As for me - I postponed running all day, and finally decided to just NOT run today and not to push it. So at 6:30pm I ate dinner and then went outside to get something out of my truck..............

OMG There was NO wind, it was peaceful and just plan old amazing out. SO I ran in, with a full belly, and told my husband I had to run . He thought I was crazy it was already 7:30pm. I told him I was going to stretch!!!

Finally at 7:55pm I went out to do my normal route. Before I got to the 1/2 way mark it was dark, and there are little street lights too. I made the 1/2 mark with a time of 16ish minutes, however coming back was a challenge considering it was dark really dark. On the one road I run, there are no lights and I had a hard time judging the side of the road (no sidewalks), so I was alittle panicy. But I did finishe with 34ish minute time....

If this was my last run for awhile I am OK, but you better believe I will be fighting to keep at it until I can't

 

[3DisneyKids]

Welcome back, Debra!

Hi all and thanks for the support!

One of the reasons I am not freaking out about a bad run is something my coach said that I will share here...

One thing that is GOOD about getting into running as we get...ahem...older, is that you actually DON'T lose it (the training and all you have worked for) as quickly as you do when you are younger. You can take some time off...several days or even up to a few weeks...and likely lose very little ground. You would lose more ground if you were younger. And since we are not getting any younger...

I am heading toward 40 (Debra...I know, I know...I'll get over to that thread soon! ), so he seems to think that a few days off here and there or a bad run isn't going to ruin my training at all. Just having him tell me that has taken a huge weight off my shoulders. I was terrified to miss even one day...I am still so shocked and in disbelief that I am running that I keep stressing out that I am going to wake up after a rest day and be back at ground zero. Irrational, I know, but there it is.

Ok, tons of work to do tonight. Tomorrow is a rest day, but I do check in with my coach and get that sports massage, so I will report back.

 

[Fitswimmer]

Got on the treadmill again yesterday and had another GREAT experience!! That Runner's World issue really has worked as a motivator for me, and so has the nicer weather FINALLY starting to move into my area.

Here's a question for you guys: A couple of my friends at the Y say that you have to work out every day in order to make it a habit. Other articles I've read say that you shouldn't work out every single day-especially at the beginning-because you risk injury. As an "ahem" older person-I'm not at 50 yet, but I can see it over the horizon-I'm concerned about injury and recovery.

Monday and Tuesday seemed to work out fine for me going back to back, but I'm taking today off.

 

[Raenstoirm]

Most things I've read say every other day is ideal to prevent injury, so I do mon-wed-fri, but I am no expert!

As for me, I am about to traverse week 4 for the second time tonight. I am confident. I did discover something very interesting about my failed attempts at the week though. After the first 5 minute run, you are supposed to walk for 2.5 minutes. I was only walking for 2. Not sure if that 30 seconds makes a difference, but it might. I am debating if I will just continue to use the 2 minutes like I did Monday or go with the 2.5 like the instructions say.

 

[Fitswimmer]

Most things I've read say every other day is ideal to prevent injury, so I do mon-wed-fri, but I am no expert!

As for me, I am about to traverse week 4 for the second time tonight. I am confident. I did discover something very interesting about my failed attempts at the week though. After the first 5 minute run, you are supposed to walk for 2.5 minutes. I was only walking for 2. Not sure if that 30 seconds makes a difference, but it might. I am debating if I will just continue to use the 2 minutes like I did Monday or go with the 2.5 like the instructions say.

30 seconds makes a LOT of difference for me! I think the plan is set up the way it is in order to minimize the likelihood of injury, not just on the specific day, but over the course of the program as a whole. Overdoing it at any level might set you up for injury down the line-I'm just guessing here of course.

 

[Caitsmama]

Hi everyone! Well, i did my 3.0 miles tonight -- in a NEW record time for me! I did it in 39.22!! I am thrilled!! (And it was with my old sneaks! LOL) Must have been the new running skirt and new sports bra... ya, that's it.. I must admit, i looked cute. Too bad it was only for my treadmill.. LOL But, i am happy with the skirt -- it's a lil shorter than i am normally comfortable with, but hey, how often am i gonna see all you people anyway.. LOL And hopefully by the NEXT race, i will be in a smaller size skirt anyway.. It's pink -- and it makes me happy.. i hope i can get some pink in my new running sneaks on friday -- but i know.. i can't buy sneakers based on color - right?

 

[3DisneyKids]

Awesome job, runners! Woo Hoo for posting great runs and PRs!

Ok, so I had my bad run on Tuesday as I posted. Weds. was a scheduled rest day for me, though I did meet with my running coach (who is also a sports massage therapist) and he gave me a half hour "runners' massage." OMG, that felt GREAT. He found and released TONS of tension on different leg muscles.

(FYI--the reason I have a running coach is because I have never before been a runner. Played lots of sports, was a fitness trainer, etc., but had never managed to run more than one mile in my 38 years. Started C25K...and was running the 5k distance by about week 3. WTH?? ME? The anti-runner?? I didn't know what to do with from there....should I start increasing my distance? Or work on increasing my turtle speed? So, I got a coach....very inexpensive, surprisingly.)

Today, it was back at it. I had a 50-minute run scheduled and I did the whole thing! My bad run the other day was just...an off day. I ran outside today...how wonderful! Spring has finally come to Maine!

Erika

 

[MomofCKJ]

(FYI--the reason I have a running coach is because I have never before been a runner. Played lots of sports, was a fitness trainer, etc., but had never managed to run more than one mile in my 38 years. Started C25K...and was running the 5k distance by about week 3. WTH?? ME? The anti-runner??

I'm in awe! That is great!

I'm re-doing week 3, again. I think I am really on my 6th week of doing this program but I end up doing each week twice. Today was my 5th time doing week 3. It is still hard. I can do it but today I was especially breathless at the end of the runs. Maybe my cough and congested chest has something to do with that.

I need to keep remember though that 3 months ago I couldn't do what I did today. And you can't overcome almost 39 years of non exercising in just a few weeks. Baby steps right?

Allyson

 

[swim-mom]

Hi everyone -

I got news from my Dr - No surgery as of right now, he wants to try PT for 3 days a week X 4 weeks. Then the dr will re-eval what he is going to do. He is hoping that I make a 20% change otherwise he will revisit a neck fusion.

GOOD NEWS!! I am still able to run, but I have to really listen to my body (ok my Neck) For right now I can do 3-4 days of running, mileage has to remain under 4 miles at a time though depending on how I feel.

I will be running tonight, and over the weekend............but again I am limited

 

[deekaypee]

Stacy: I loved the F&G show, although I didn't spend a lot of time in a (non-rainy) Epcot. The sculpture garden was fun and loved the butterfly exhibit as it reminded me of a mini-Detroit Zoo Butterfly House. And, of course the Poly lived up to my expectations; I wish we could stay there more often, but the budget prevails.

And I'm excited to hear about your PB, and about your cute running outfit. Because I AM planning on seeing you, hopefully, during January's marathon weekend? I keep thinking I should try the running skirts, but I'm so far away from a girly girl--I even wear men's running shorts because I like the pockets!

Swim-Mom: I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that the PT is effective. In the meantime, great news about being able to run as long as you're careful & pay attention to your body. I'm sure that will help you manage the stress of...well, everything! And your times just keep getting better & better.

Erika: Have you gone over the the WISHers turning 40 thread. It's a party, you know? Your coach sounds like he's very knowledge AND that he knows the right thing to say to you to ease your concerns, a savvy communicator. And if he knows how to give a good tension-releasing massage to boot....

Congratulations with your 50-minute run! You now know, really know, what the rest of us knew. Just an off day. I can empathize, though, because all it takes is one stonker & I'm hit hard with imposter syndrome. (And you're the furthest thing from an imposter.)

Fitswimmer: It is my understanding that you can, and should, be active every day--no lying around eating bon bons (darn it)--but that we need to work out different muscles and to give the body a chance to recover & rebuild. And in terms of running, until we get more experience, most of us would do well to take a "rest day" in between running days. Not everyone needs as many of them, and not everyone's rest day constitutes the same thing, but we do need to make sure that we're not going full-throttle each and every day.

In my case, I work out every day (after building up to that after years of WOs) but I do my best when I my running program is a day between two SRs and two days between the 2nd SR and my LR. I hope to build to 4 days a week of running eventually, but I'm not pushing it. YMMV, of course, and what works for your training will be as much dictated by your lifestyle as anything else.

Raenstoirm: I say play with the walking time, see what happens. It might very well be that one day you need the 2.5 and another day you don't.

Allyson: You're doing great, and have found the strategy that works for you. The breathlessness probably does have a lot to do with your cold, at least as much as the exertion. I think you'll find, as I did, that you'll bounce back to running (and breathing) easier after your colds & coughs, too!

As for me: I've been a little MIA from the boards since I got back, with a little LTO. My landlord has just evicted us! Not really, she's just not renewing our lease. And not because we're bad tenants but because her BF is moving in with her (she's a landlord in residence) and they're going to convert the house back to a single-family dwelling. The news means we'll have to move about a year ahead of schedule and to another rental property; we were hoping to stay there until we bought a house & we haven't even decided in which neighborhood we want to settle! So this week has meant lots of discussions with DOOD about plans. Plus, there's been anxiety and pissiness on my part, as the surprise announcement was made during an evening out with my landlord, an invitation she issued as dinner in celebration of my birthday.

On the up side, Wednesday I ran 40 minutes straight for the first time in my life! That, combined with my RW & warm-up/cool-down brought me to 5 miles in 60 minutes, and I believe could have gone longer and/or faster. I think once my 1/2 is finished I'm going to see if I can do a little speed work. Thanks to Erika for inspiring me.

 

[Caitsmama]

Debra.. sorry, I think mabye you misread something, but i am NOT going to be in WDW in Jan for the marathon.. We are going down next mo. for the minnie, then again in Nov. for our yearly Thanksgiving trip.. I should be back there NEXT may though, hoping the rumors of the Princess theme 1/2 are true


On a side note, i am so happy, i got nice new running sneaks tonight! They were costly, about 95.00 -- but i think they will make a big difference.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Swim- PT sounds like a GREAT alternative! Glad to hear that! And you still get to run! Woo-Hoo! I would say that is good news all around!

Debra--yeah, yeah, I know about the thread! Unfortunately, I am not as good at embracing birthdays as you are. Seriously, though, that is a big part of this whole running and marathon thing for me. If I have to turn 40, I am going to be freakin' fabulous, baby!

As for me--today was my very first speed drill! I started with an easy 10-minute jog as a warm up, then I did six sets of speed work. I ran two telephone pole distances at 80% max (not a full sprint, but darn fast), then the next 2 poles were back to an easy jog, then 2 poles at 80% and so on. Then finish with an easy jog the rest of the way home. After about the third speed run, I had to walk for one pole length, then jog 2, and then start the next run. So it was a run-walk-jog combo deal. I definitely have some work to do on this.

The results...well, I can honestly say it was one of the most challenging and taxing workouts I have ever done. It totally kicked my a$$. And I am sure that I will be feeling it tomorrow. It was a bit of a love-hate thing. It was HARD, but I was also really proud of myself for doing it. Thank God it is only one day a week!

As for time...3 miles in (get this) 29 minutes! WHOA! What a difference! That is something like 4:20 minutes off my best time.

 

[swim-mom]

Hi everyone I did my normal route of 3.1 miles in 34 minutes. I bought new sneakers, well the second pair (the first I returned they felt like I was running in concrete). These ones were a bit more (Ascis Keyno 14), but they felt good tonight when I ran.

First thing I was over dressed, which is just a bad feeling all around. Expecially when you want to throw off the coat in the woods (and you don't care if you ever get it back, because you are so darn hot )

Tonight, my neck did not want to run.......I bought a new shirt and the neck was too tight and close to my neck it just kept pulling on me. I only paid $10 SO I am going to try and stretch it out

******GOAL this weekend********

I want to change my route a bit, do my whole route with the exception of entering my development the back way. Instead I want to run straight to the next street and then run through the front of my development. I checked milage from the back of my development on the new route and it comes up .8 SO now I have to figure out the total run distance. I want to be smart about it with my neck. I cant do any more than 4 miles and I would like to have a LR.

I am hoping that I can do it this weekend, cross your fingers