Amy's "BUT I'M NOT A RUNNER" Journal

[AmyBeth68]

Sooooo.......today was my 12 miler. A new distance. Nearly halfway to the marathon. I finished it. I really hesitate to discuss my runs anymore because they've just been so difficult. I really don't want to discourage anyone from attempting the marathon or starting a running program. Just go read Scott's journal if you want to be inspired and see what you may be capable of . Don't judge the marathon journey by my experience LOL! My mind and heart are willing...but the legs are simply not cooperating . Maybe it's old age...maybe it's just that I'm not really meant to be a runner..who knows???!!! It's become such a day by day thing....I really don't know for sure that I'll make it to the start line. Now...don't get me wrong....I'm not quitting unless I'm told that I absolutely cannot run anymore. I'd rather run in pain than not run at all. But ya' know....I am nursing three leg injuries currently (I don't have 3 legs btw...but just 3 different injuries ). I just wonder when I'm going to be given the news that I can't continue. HATE thinking that way...but I have to be realistic at this point. So....look....it's not the end of the world. It's just the marathon. But if you can spare some good thoughts and a bit of pixie dust...I'd really appreciate it!!!

So the tedious details of the run...it was slow....and ummm painful . I had technical difficulties today between the iPod and Garmin...all messed up. The garmin didn't start so I ran about .2 miles then stopped the thing and started it again lol. I don't have splits as I set it to just track my 4:1 intervals. Basically...to the best of my knowledge...I think I ran a painfully slow 10:24 mpm. About all I can say is that I finished the stupid thing...and quite frankly that is an accomplishment in itself. It was 2 miles of a good run and 10 miles of guts. So for that I am proud of myself. For the second week in a row I was brought to tears when I finished....and this time brought down to my knees at one point in the run. One thing I can tell you for certain....I am learning a bit about my stubborness. The Long Runs are just about killing me though. My left achilles is incredibly sore and really started to flare up around mile 2. My right knee became stiff and painful by mile 4. So yes...it's just another typical post by Amy ...(don't mind the girl on the boards who complains all the time!) Unfortunately the achilles pain is the worst pain I've experienced yet and I fear this to be another serious injury and possible set-back. So guess I'll be BACK to the #@$*$@* doctor again next week (assuming I can get an appointment...and fit it in between the book fair I'm running and the Brownie meeting I'm planning for next week lol).

BUT with all that said I did manage to get up on my feet and dance at the Cheetah Girls concert tonight . My 9 year old daughter patiently waited for over 2 months for her big birthday party!!! She wanted to go to a concert for her birthday....and the Cheetah's were IT! So I took her and her two best, most cheetahlicious, friends to the concert at Continental Airlines Arena. They screamed and dance and screamed some more and bought their ridiculously expensive concert t-shirts and kept screaming and well are still screaming downstairs as I type this . But all in all we had a ton of fun and I really enjoyed seeing them have so much fun. Now we're on to the sleepover phase of the evening. Woo-Hoo...growwwwllllll power! Gonna' be a LONG night my friends!

Can anybody say "Mommy needs a glass of wine" . Just kidding...but ahhh that would be nice tonight LOL!

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

 

[kimwim8]

Hugs and pixie dust for you, Amy. All I want to say today is.....

YOU ARE THE STRONGEST WOMAN I KNOW!!!

 

[toystoryduo]

You are in my thoughts and prayers, Amy : I agree with Kim.... You are a strong and brave woman! You have accomplished a great deal, Amy and I am so very proud of you. Your dedication has inspired me to continue on my own journey even if I didn't/don't want to. You are amazing, girl!

I hope today finds you relaxing and enjoying the rest of your weekend. Take good care of you!

 

[ScoJo15]

Good morning Amy

Once again your determination is inspiring. Many people would have quit by now but you refuse to and I really admire that. I hope the doctor gives you the best news possible and that you aren't sidelined too long.

It really sounds like one of the main sources of your problems is your feet. I'm hoping that your orthotics will correct a lot of issues for you. Everything I read always says that 99% of leg problems are caused by foot issues...but I'm the furthest thing from a doctor so I'm just going off of articles. I'm just hoping that everything turns out for the best.

There is plenty of time left before the big day, so don't think that a minor setback will completely knock you out of the race. Besides, don't they allow ECV's in the race? How fast do those things go anyway?

No really...here's hoping for a good diagnosis and a speedy recovery and quite possibly an end to all of those aches and pains...I think you've suffered enough for all of us

Hang in there and have a good day!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi Guys! Thanks for the good wishes and pixie dust!!

Scott...not sure about an ECV...but my family suggests a walker with wheels on it .

So I won't be posting as much this week. Busy time with the book fair. That and the big Halloween Party we're planning for the Brownie Troop on Friday Night. Any suggestions for Halloween Games? I'm feeling non-creative suddenly this week.

Unfortunately....I won't be training as much either. Not sure how to completely modify my schedule. I can't get in to see the doctor until next week so I'll really have to rely on what they tell me at PT. I'm pretty sure I'll be told to NOT run this week. And right now...I couldn't run anyway so that makes sense to me lol! I guess I'll just keep doing what I can here at home...working on the PT throughout the week....and see what the doctor says next Tuesday.

Thanks again for all the kinds words. I honestly don't feel strong or inspiring lol. BUT....I'm not quitting . So that's something right?!

So my quote for today...gotta' have at least ONE per week right? Here's hoping I can overcome my circumstances and run another day.

Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside of them was superior to circumstance.

 

[eeyore25]

Hi Amy,

P & PD sent . I am so sorry that you had a painful run. I hope that once you get into the doctor they can fix you.

You're doing a great job, congrats on completeing the 12 miler....even in pain. You may not think it, but you are an inspiration....

Keep your head up!

Have a great day

 

[AmyBeth68]

Happy Tuesday!

Squeezing in a quick post before heading out to bookfair duties .

Yesterday was supposed to be a 60 minute run in my training plan. But unfortunately I've been put on hold for at least a few days. So instead I did the ab/arm routine!! Got through 3 complete circuits .... and will try to go for four next time. I need to keep pushing myself in other areas when I can't run lol....I think it's an illnes .

I also hopped on the dreaded ski machine...but this time armed with the iPod instead of the TV. This helped motivate me better and I did intervals of skiing 2 minutes at an intense 8-9 pace and then 3 minutes at my regular 6-7 pace. I'm not sure if that is mph??? I don't think it could possible be mph....that seems fast!!!! But it's the number that shows up on the screen . Anyway....I completed a solid 30 minute workout...was dripping with sweat....and averaged 8.54 mpm pace on the thing! So I was pretty happy about that effort.

Sooo....busy week! More PT tonight. It went well last night...even though I got shocked (ouchie) and tortured with deep tissue massage over my painful areas (Super Ouchie) and had to stand with one leg on that bosu stability ball (not easy!!). But let's hope they can fix this new issue . I can't get in to see the orthopedic guy until next week....so I have to rely on the PT guys to help me through THIS week!!!

Thanks for stopping bye!

 

[kimwim8]

*applause* for you, Amy! You have a great attitude with all of this. Yes, you have down days...but for the most part, you are still such a beacon of positivity!!

Thank you for your continued support on my journal. I know I have a hard time staying focused like you...but I SO appreciate you sticking with me!

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Amy,

WOW girl! Did you say you did 3 of the arm/ab circuits and that you'll be working on 4 in your next workout?!?!! You are amazing woman! I've done that circuit one time and it is tough. Great job!

I'm glad to hear that you were able to get some time in on the ski machine. I know you'd rather be running, but taking it easy for a couple of days is a good thing.

Have a great week, Amy!

 

[ScoJo15]

Ahhhhh, the joys of bookfair! Always seems like controlled chaos when we are there so I can only imagine what you guys see on a day to day basis. Kudos to you for helping out the school!

And I keep re-reading but did you say 3 circuits?? AND you are going for 4?? Holy Cow. ..I'd be dead, for real, death by toomuchabdominalcontractionohgoshpleasehelpmeitis (try that one on a scrabble board ) You really do amaze me sometimes...I still dream of getting thru the 2 circuits without any pauses. But, I can't let you beat me so it's time to get to work!! Really, that's an amazing accomplishment and I really hope that things go well this week with your PT and that you can get back out there soon and resume running. Love the positive attitude you now have about it, I think that will really help you out.

Have a good day!

 

[kimwim8]

Here's a dumb question (and it'll show you how bad my memory skills are)...

Don't you guys have to keep looking at the paper to remember what's next in the circuit? And how do you know when 30 seconds is up? I feel like I need a partner to be there with me when I try it!!

 

[ScoJo15]

oh oh oh!! Can I jump in here??

We've committed the order to memory, but I put together a 10 minute mp3 file that contains 30 second snippets of songs. So, when the song changes, that's when you change your exercise No more looking at watches or clocks

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi Guys!

I had to take the week off from running to heal my injuries . It was so hard....feeling like each day my training was going down the tubes. BUT....I have to keep my eyes on the prize . I really need to get healthy and back in the game. Soooo....I did my other activies this week (ski machine, active physical therapy, some elliptical) and maybe try some yoga today! I hope to run this weekend ... we'll see if I get the go - ahead today at PT!!!

Other than that it's a busy busy week!!! Lots of activities....doing the PTA/Class-Mom/Brownie Leader gig. I think the craziness all begins now with Halloween and doesn't stop until after the holidays!!!

And Kim...yeah...I've memorized the ab/arm deal. If you have a stop watch that can be set to intervals....or just have it beep at 30 seconds.....that would work. You could also pretty much get the same results doing 20 of each exercise...it works out to about 30 seconds that way. Scott's idea with the music is a great one!!!

Thanks again for stopping by everyone!! I appreciate all the support . Hopefully I can report back this weekend with a successful run!!!!

OH...Got my race number today!!! 8739

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Amy,

I know it's been hard for you not being able to run this week, but you are doing a great job getting other workouts in in the meantime! Hope your doctor gives you the okay for this weekend.

Take care and have a great weekend!

 

[kimwim8]

oh oh oh!! Can I jump in here??

We've committed the order to memory, but I put together a 10 minute mp3 file that contains 30 second snippets of songs. So, when the song changes, that's when you change your exercise No more looking at watches or clocks

OK, Scott...you are sick. (*cough* any way you can send that to me? *cough*)

 

[kimwim8]

There's that Amy we all know and love!! You're so positive and doing the right thing right now. Just listen to your body and go with what you can do.

I know you want to be out there running...just listen to the doctors and PT's, ok?

I'm always thinking about and praying for ya.

 

[kimwim8]

Wow....three posts in a row from me. Does that mean I'm a stalker? NAH!

Hope you're doing ok, Amy. Check in when you can!

 

[AmyBeth68]

HI GUYS!!! Kim....I have a stalker COOL . Just kidding . Thanks for checking up on me buddy!!! And thanks to everyone else for the well-wishes!!!

Phew! Busy, busy weekend around these parts but I did manage to squeeze my run in . And I'm happy to report that I had only minor soreness in the left leg and no pain at all in the right . I am VERY pleased about the run and will take it day by day for the rest of the week. This weekend the training plan calls for a 14 mile long run...and that one is an important distance. Finallly I'll be covering over half the marathon distance. It's a big run for me mentally!!! So my goal is to go into that run as healthy as possible. With that said....my training plan for the week is slightly modified. I'm tweaking the plan in an attempt to minimize my injuries. LOL...let's see if this works!

Mon: Run 45 minutes (plus ab circuit)
Tues: XT (Yoga)
Wed: Ski Machine 40 minutes (plus ab circuit)
Thurs: Run 45 minutes (plus ab circuit)
Fri: XT (Yoga)
Sat: LR 14 Miles

Should work out to approx a 24 mile week. Gradually building up!!!

I'm substituting my short run of the week with ski machine from here on out. I think dropping that run from the schedule will minimize the impact my legs take during the week. The other minor change is that my Monday run will be 45 minutes as opposed to 60 minutes.

So that's it from my little corner of the running world. More Halloween festivities to come this week with Fall Festival and Class Mom Halloween party duties at school, not to mention baking cupcakes for 30 kids and of course Halloween itself!!! Should be a fun week for the kids....I think I'm going to be exhausted LOL!

Have a great week everyone! I'll attempt to post again with an update later in the week!

 

[Calcio]

Amy

Pardon me for jumping in here after reading a few early and the last pages only. I think I can give you some advice based on my own mistakes, which are many and often painful. For others who have heard this tale my apologies, but here it is.

My story is I am a 50 year old male (last month, boy that got here fast), who will run his 5th Disney World half or full marathon in January 2008. In my long ago past I played competitive soccer through College and a few exhibitions with professionals, and in my late 20's I was fit and fast, turning in some times I'm quite proud of. The problem is those races were run when I was the father of a 1 year old. That same daughter graduates from College in 7+ months, and nothing in my body works like it used to.

I signed up for the 2004 Disney half marathon to give me a distraction when daughter entered College and I felt so lonely. I started training in August, felt okay, pushed it, felt okay, pushed it and got hurt all over. I was able to recover and complete the 2004 half, but then got hurt worse training for the 2005 half. Again I recovered, just barely, and completed the 2005 half with the help of my spouse/pacer that day. I did the Goofy challenge in 2006 (yes, a fool) and right now I'm feeling pretty frisky about the 2007 full marathon. Through lots of good runs and injuries, which I monitor every week, I have the following advice for you:

1. Slow down. I see you are hitting sub 10 minutes pre mile consistently, which is quite fast for a lady who is building up in only 1 year. Sub 10 minute miles will easily place you in the fastest 1/4 of the field in either the full or half, which is amazing for a first year runner. It's a good rule of thumb to run your long stuff 1 to 2 minutes slower than race pace as this builds endurance and reduces the stress on the legs which lead to injury. It's cool to run at race pace from time to time, but most of your runs should be slower, with some a lot slower. In my prime I ran a lot with a really fast guy who ran competitively in College. He trained hard every day, fast city, and was hurt almost all the time. On my long runs I have learned the safest thing to do is not take a watch at all. Run the distance for the day and hang the pace. On occasion I run at race pace, to get comfortable carrying that pace. I know your body wants to go at its "comfort" pace, but you (and I'm really susceptible to this problem also) need to resist the urge to zoom.

2. Cross train, which I see you are doing. At my age and weight (not heavy, but carrying pounds I certainly don't need) I cannot run more than 2 times a week and avoid injury. My weekly cycle is 2 runs, 3 bike sessions, 2 weight room sessions. I double up (today) a bike and lift and take one day off. The runs are a longer and shorter (13 and 6.2 last week), the bikes are shorter and medium (33, 33, 45 minutes at medium to high tension), and the weights are upper and lower body, particularly hamstrings, calfs, groin and QUADS. The quads are the first things to go in a distance race or long run, so my runs, bikes, and weight sessions are all meant to build quad strength.

3. Stretch, and you are all over that with your yoga. Good for you, this is an area I sometimes neglect, and pay the price for. Good form here.

4. Ice everything, and I mean everything that is hurting or just feeling wifty. Freeze dixie cups and rub them on the hot spots after a run. This gives both massage and ice, which I find literally puts the fire out.

5. I don't care for the stuff, but use GU on your longer runs. This week I foolishly left the stuff in my car and at mile 11 or so my legs began to feel fatigued. Others have told me the same thing, so even if it's psychological it works (I do think it is real however, keeping your energy stores up). Try this when going long.

6. And finally keep in mind what an accomplishment you are shooting at. In my prime I always said I wouldn't run a marathon if I couldn't go sub 3 hours. Well I never was sub-3 fit and never ran one. Last January was my first marathon and given I ran the half the day before my goal was sub-5. It isn't fast but so what? Getting fitter, feeling yourself stronger and with more stamina, starting, getting around the course, and finishing are what matters. None of us are looking for age group records. We are looking within to see what is inside ourselves. In January I finished in 4:47 and felt wonderful. Right now I'm fitter and I'm not doing Goofy, so my goal is between 4:30 and 4:35. If I hit that and cut time from the previous effort, I'll feel wonderful to the second power. Remember it's way better to finish 26 miles at 11 minutes per mile than to go out at 9:30 per mile and break down somewhere between the Magic Kingdom and the Animal Kingdom. Or phrased bluntly, which I tell myself before long runs, "my goal is 14 easy miles today, not 9 fast miles followed by throwing up."

And lastly, good luck to you. You certainly are not old, in fact nearly in the prime years of a distance runner. Juggling the demands of 21st century life, including 2 young children, make this really hard. I guarantee you there is no feeling on earth like standing in the starting corrals before dawn, waiting for the starting gun. You feel so proud of yourself to have done the work to get there. The race itself is the easy part. You'll be among others who all have done the same thing, and running the course with them is a thrill. I hope your health improves and you get to those starting corrals. I'll look for you there. I'll be wearing number 4110.

Take care

Craig

 

[AmyBeth68]

Wow, Craig, thank you so much for that post. I can't tell you how great it was to get advice from someone with the experience that you have in terms of distance running. I really think I'm going to follow that advice and take it easy on those Long Runs. Now that I'm feeling nearly 100% in terms of injuries *knock wood*....I think I'm going to treat myself a little better and not push push push! THANK YOU SO MUCH! And really, thanks to all of my Wish buddies for sticking with me through the ups and downs of training. I've still got a LONG way to go , but knowing you guys understand the struggles and commitment helps SO MUCH! I'm really trying to get myself back on track and I'm feeling really hopeful about Saturday's run! Oddly enough for the first time in a while I'm looking forward to that long run again . Bring it on!

Wow it's been a whirlwind here. Secretly....and shhhh don't tell the kids.....but I'm relieved that Halloween is over. And yeah...I love it....so much fun dressing up and the parties and stuff. But first of all....I have no willpower around those Reeses , and they are EVERYWHERE I turn! Secondly....I'm exhausted LOL! With that said, we had a blast with Halloween and Fall Festival activities over the past week. Here's a pre-Trick-or-Treating picture of the kids. You can tell it's "pre" because there are no tell-tale chocolate stains on the face or costumes . LOL!