Baltimore BOT-Fest

[Jodi]

WOW, Sara!! That's...what do the kids say nowadays? EPIC!! DEFINITELY adds character!! You are SOOPERBIATCH!! . And yeah, I was totally calling you out on FB.

More tonight, BOTS!

Happy Holidays & safe travels!!

 

[KeenHo]

Happy Easter Everyone!!

We made it back from Plymouth, MA early this evening and went out to dinner with my DD, Jenn. Now it is laundry and catching up online. We left Plymouth at about 12:20 PM and arrived here in Delaware around 6:45 PM. The worst was working my way through the back up at the George Washington Bridge. Everything else was moving very well. I think we lost about 30 minutes approaching the bridge.

I ran up in Plymouth/Manomet yesterday along the ocean. It was really beautiful, but ultra hilly. I wasn't quite prepared for that, but did my best. I completed 16.03 miles with an overall pace of about 11:24. Up until about mile 13, I was clocking just under 10 minute miles. I ran out of steam and slowed down for the next two miles and pretty much walked the last one. I felt good afterwards. I am committed to being ready for the Delaware Marathon (for a change). I hope to not miss any mileage in my training plan. I think if I miss anything, it'll be an XT night at the gym. We'll see how it goes. So far, so good.

Well, I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I certainly did. All the best for the week ahead.



Howard

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Sara- whoa that's some major scar. Thanks for sharing. I think...

Hey everyone, I wanted to pop in and post quickly. I really hate doing the drive-by "all about me" posts, but I haven't been able to keep up with the thread much lately. I've been trying to keep up with everyone on FB, but then the longer I go without posting here, the more I feel sheepish about coming in and posting when I don't know what's going on.

I've been busy at work and home, but the thing that's been occupying a lot of my attention is my Dad. He's really not doing that well. My sister's been driving down from Baltimore, and we've been having lots of phone calls about him. He's been acting very strange and confused, and personally, I think he's struggling with dementia - which runs in his family.

Dad has been struggling to manage his money since my Mom died back in Sept 07 (right before the Marine Corps Marathon in 07 for those of you that remember). He's doing strange things like paying to enter sweepstakes and donating to every organization that calls on him. We just found out he hasn't been paying his bills. His supplemental health insurance was canceled and his long-term care insurance was canceled too. He has stacks and piles of mail all around the house, unopened, but yet he enters sweepstakes. The house looks like something out of "hoarders". He's run through his retirement IRA and now only has $1,000 left.

My sister took him to the doctor the other week, and I was piped in on a conference call. So I was able to hear what the doctor was saying, and I was able to add my two cents. So my sister and I are looking into assisted living options. Of course, Dad doesn't want to move, he doesn't want to leave the house, and my sister wants him to move closer to her in Baltimore. I've been trying to get information about places over the phone, but it hasn't been easy. I'll probably have to drive down sometime soon.

I've been running here and there, but nothing major. I've still been having some trouble with my shins, and I finally went to an orthopedic specialist. He fitted me with custom orthotics, and I'm gradually getting used to them. I hope they help.

OK, once again, sorry about the "all about me" posted. I hope all of you all, my friends, are doing well.

 

[Honeibee]

Dave, don't worry about the AAM posts. We're just glad to hear from you. Your dad is lucky to have you and your sister. I hope you find a solution that works great for everyone.

 

[MouseDogMom]

Dave - My sister went through a very similar situation with her MIL with contributing to anyone and anything. I'm not sure why it happens, but you're not alone. And I completely understand trying to arrange housing when they don't want to move, and you're not there. Been there, done that, and I hurt for you knowing what's ahead. We're here, on FB and WISH, whenever.

Will keep my fingers crossed that the orthotics help. You need to be able to run!

Jackie

 

[wfloyd]

I took the plunge and signed up for Marine Corps this year. Now all I have to do is get in enough shape to keep up with everyone here.

Sara - That is a nice looking scar there. I think there are several stories that could describe how it got there. Although piercing it and putting in a diamond stud would look nice as well.

Bill

 

[lourodrigis]

Hey BOTs

Dave - Sorry to hear about what's happening with your dad. That's the kind of stuff everyone dreads. My dad dealt with similar issues with his parents 15 years ago and I wonder when it will be my turn to deal with them. It's a shame your dad went through his IRA but its good that he has you and your sister. Hopefully he will see that it's in his best interest to get out of the house and to let you handle things.

What a gorgeous weekend and it's awesome today! We went to Seaside Heights yesterday to walk the boards and play some games. The kids loved it. No, we didn't see Snookie.

I went out for 5 miles this morning. The weather was great but my allergies are killing me. I get this anxious feeling whenever I am exposed to the pollen outside for too long. It's weird but the pollen just has a bizarre affect on me. I think I'll try local honey as I heard that was supposed to help.

Lou

 

[KeenHo]

Good afternoon BOTS!

Dave~ Best of luck finding something that works for your Dad that he will accept. I know working through this is and will continue to be tough.

I got up this morning at 6 AM and completed 5 miles. It wasn't pretty. I had shin-splints (something I haven't had in many months) and I was still mildly sore from Saturday's 16 miler. So, I probably walked 3.5 to 4 of the 5 miles this morning... but I was determined to get it in. Tonight after work just wouldn't work with my schedule so I had to force the miles in this morning. I am not a morning person so getting up and out when its still dark out is against my religion. However, my training plan is something I need to keep up with. Right? [Jodi~ Don't answer that. ]

I am scheduled for some XT (Biking) tomorrow which I will look forward to followed by 8 miles on Wednesday.

More later... However, I'm looking for some updates from:

1. Chester
2. Jen
3. Colleen
4. Mike
5. Matt
6. Cindy
7. CindyLou
8. Jodi
9. Judy
10. Sara
11. Megan

Howard

 

[mla1977]

Ok, I'm here! I've been spending way too much time on Twitter keeping up with all of the people I met at Tent Fest (WDW Today event). I've hardly been keeping up with Facebook. I do lurk here all the time. I set up to 2011 Princess half thread, so if you are planning on dong that one, stop over there.

Dave, I'm sorry to hear about your dad.

Sara, Nice scar. Every so often I discuss having my thyroid removed. It is enlarged, not HUGE though, but if you look close enough at my neck you can see it. Thankfully chokers aren't in fashion right now, because they look horrible on me. I wish pumping my body full of Synthroid would make it get smaller, but I guess it is irreversible. Good luck with your recovery.

I've got the Broad Street Run in 3 weeks 6 days now. Wow! We did 8 miles on Saturday in Valley Forge. Thankfully not the hills, but on the bike path next to the river. I have a training partner now. She did the Philly Tri with TNT last year and this is her first running event with them. We are perfectly paced for each other and both of us are trying to get faster, so hopefully we will improve at a similar rate. I'm trying to convince her to do the Philly RnR with me.

Tonight I have a Mentor info meeting with TNT too. I will hopefully be mentoring for the fall season and fundraising again for the winter when I WILL be doing the Disney full. The fall season goes to MCM, so while I won't be running it, I may be down there cheering everyone on!

So who's gonna be at Broad Street with me?

 

[msblrobs]

Dave - Thanks for checking in and for the update Really, no one is offended by the all about me posts, at least I hope not since I've had my fair share lately, and you know we'll worry if you don't post. Hoping your Dad buys into the assisted living idea and you get him settled soon.

Bill - Glad you took the plunge!

Meghan - Best of luck at the Broad Street Run The TNT mentoring meeting sounds like such a good thing

Howard - Nice job working the training plan

Lou - We've decided to take a vacation to AC for a week at the end of July with the kids. DH and I have never been so if you have any suggestions for things to do, can you let me know? I think Jodi has mentioned the local honey thing before as a good idea for the allergies

Hoping everyone had a wonderfully blessed Easter/Passover. Keeping myself busy with yoga and walk/runs with the dogs!

 

[Honeibee]

Howard, even though I only rate being #9 on your list, here is my update...

I'm XT today, packing for my trip to Houston to see Heather.

And that's all I have to say about that.

 

[StitchAttack]

Just a quick reminder, MCM sign up is in 2 days. I'm still planning on running.

Other than that I ran 8 miles on Friday, my longest run since my knee injury. Felt pretty good.

 

[Optimator]

I'll join the fun too since Howard called us all out.

Dave - Best of luck with your dad. I'm sure it's even harder trying to do it long distance.

Howard - You know I'm the cautious one here but don't become a slave to the training plan at an expense to your health. Take it slow and easy.

BTW, we are practicing the same religion. I'm not much of a get up to run kind of guy either.


Megan - That's great that you are so involved with helping others via TNT.

Lou - Local honey is great. Local honey mixed in some hot gin, even better (although it is more of a winter thing). Ah, skip the honey and just hit the gin.

Sara - It's great to hear you are feeling well and getting out and active again.

Judy - Have a safe trip.

Bill - Lots of time to get ready for MCM for you this year. Wasn't last year sort of short notice for you?

Jodi - If you get a good deal on the Vibram thingies is it wrong to say you got a Five Finger Discount? Ha ha. I'm soo funny!

Jackie - Any halves this weekend? Youv'e gone over a week without a PR. You must be suffering withdrawal!

Matt - Good to hear you are feeling well. Is Cindy still alive?

Hi Colleen and CindyLou! Did I miss anyone?


What can I tell you about me? I was born a poor black child. No wait, that's another story...

Oh yeah, we went to visit my family in Ohio last week. I didn't even take my running stuff so I wouldn't be anxious about not running (I knew I wouldn't make the time). I did get out for a few miles yesterday and today. I'll get another run or two in then it's 50 miles of fun on Saturday.

I also signed up for MCM with the early entry form from WDW. Don't tell Kathy but I wouldn't mind squeezing another full or two in somewhere before that as well. We'll see.

 

[Jodi]

#8 on Howard's list checking in here. Glad you've been training diligently...let me know how that works out for you . So had did you travel up to New England? Via 91?

Dave - I am hoping that your dad agrees to something soon that you & your sister come up with. This is such a hard thing to deal with & he's such a sweet guy. Glad you have been running a bit to manage your stress.

Sara - Visiting AC in the summer, eh? That sounds like fun! Glad to hear you are doing well & getting yoga & stuff done. Your tenacity is inspiring!!

Lou - Sounds like you & the family had a great day yesterday!! You're running Broadstreet, right? How's the bod feeling?

Megan - Sounds like TNT is keeping you busy . You're running a lot lately!

Matt - I'm so happy that your knee feels better!! MCM in TWO days?? Hmm....

UltraMike - Extrapolate, please, on your "plan" for Saturday & what's going through your mind.

OK, all about me now - So I got those FiveFingers toe things & am trying to break them (or me) in. Pretty good, but a little hotspot action going on . My calves & feet have been a bit fatigued as well. You can look on FB if you really give a turd, as I've been updating there with my progress. I can DEFINITELY see me running in these things all the time!!

Bruce's training? Well, he ran 20 on Sat. & did pretty well @ an 8:25 pace. However, when he woke up Sunday a.m. w/ pretty heinous knee pain, there was something, um....sticking out of the side of his knee . To which he replied "oh, that must be what was keeping me up all night." When he went to the chiro today he told him it was his IT band "pulling" away. Away from what, I have NO idea, but he's in a bit of pain. I've been trying to convince him to just run the 50k, but he's ranting about how the charity fliers have 100k on it, etc. DUDE!!! REALLY? I think I've almost got him convinced to back it down...I'm going to call the chiro & tell him to tell Bruce that he'll go lame like an old horse. I think he'd rather finish a 50k than NOT fiinish a 100k, right?

And that's what's up in my world.

 

[jbucci]

Howard: It appears that calling people out is an effective way to get us to post. You are so much better than I am about keeping us updated around here. Congrats on the getting your runs in even if today's was tough.

Lou: The local honey thing is actually true-- it desensitizes you to the local pollens. Probably won't make the allergies go away completely but might take the edge off.

Sara: Thanks for the photo. I think it makes you look tough. The heck with scaring people at the gym. I think will will make them feel like they need to work harder: "the girl with the neck wound is kicking my ***, I need to ran faster, further, etc..." We head to the Jersey Shore quite a lot although are usually more Ocean City people (about 20 min south of AC). There is a Rainforest Cafe on the boardwalk in AC that DD6 loves.

Dave: Dealing with sick family just sucks. We had very similar issues with my grandmother a few years back. It was and still is really tough. Vent here as much as you need.

Meghan: Count us in for Broad Street

Cindylou: good luck with Boston prep-- I'm hoping for nice, cool but not freezing spring weather for you

Jodi: I'm enjoying the shoe updates. Good luck to Bruce with his run, hopefully you talk some sense into him.

Mike: Good luck on your upcoming ultra.

As for me: I've been crazy busy with the holiday and intermittent single parenting as Butch had a series of meetings in DC that required overnight stays. To make it more fun I got some hideous sore throat last week that rendered me unable to eat or drink for a few days (although I feel like a wuss compared to Sara's "sore throat") I'm feeling better and back to running again although I cut this week's LR a bit short. My other news is on the weight loss front-- I am officially down 20lbs from marathon weekend and am thrilled to finally see some results form the diet/exercise combo. Upcoming events for us are Rutgers 1/2 on the 18th and Broad Street on May 2. Then nothing for sure until DL 1/2 in Sept.

 

[Optimator]

Jen - So sorry I skipped over you. Congrats on the 20 lbs. No wonder you've been so fast. I tried in vain to convince Kathy to do Rutgers. Good luck. I hope you enjoy the run down memory lane.

#UltraMike - Extrapolate, please, on your "plan" for Saturday & what's going through your mind.

What's the deal Dr. Phil? If you're trying to get me to reveal my inner most fears or delve into what insecurities I'm trying to overcome by taking on this challenge, remember... I'M NOT THAT DEEP!

My plan, if you can call it that:

My actual running plan is to just go nice and easy. I will run the runable downhills and flat areas and walk the uphills right from the start. In training that has resulted in something between 11-12 mpm pace. I would be happy, make that thrilled, if I could keep that pace up through the first half of the race. From there, it will be the death march to the end. I have 13 hours to finish. That is my ultimate goal but would be extra happy with anything in the 11 to 12 hour range.

Nutrition/Hydration: I will be wearing my Amphipod hydration belt with 3 small 8oz bottles. That will get from aid station to aid station (each roughly 5 miles apart). I will also take a couple of Gu's. Other than that, I am leaving it up to the fine folks that man the aid stations. All previous reports talked about salted potatoes, chips, cookies, even some ice cream sandwiches, in addition to water, Gatorade, and electrolyte capsules at the stations. I'll try to eat a little of what sounds good and should be fine. If not, I will have my phone so I can call for some double cooked pork and some BROWN rice.

Anything above and beyond a marathon: I will be able to leave a bag at the station that serves as start/mile 17/finish. I plan to throw an extra pair of shoes and socks in there just in case I fall in the river somewhere. I'll try to remember some sunscreen as well.

Other than that, it should be business as usual. Well, sort of. It will be a learning experience.

There. Does that answer your questions?

I hope Bruce's IT band calms down. That would be no bueno even trying for 50K with that.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Thanks for the support everyone. You all are the best!

 

[jbucci]

Mike: I'm officially impressed. We need the full report of the race-- I might even have the Chinese food sent to the finish line for you Seriously you should twist Kathy's arm to come down for Rutgers-- she could stay with us-- no hotel cost...

Dave:

Had a nice day yesterday-- took off of work to hang with DD on spring break and went to Storybook Land, a quaint little park built in the 1950's with very little updating since then. The place is charming and we had a fun day. Last night I blew off a run to help my friend shop for her wedding dress I am matron of honor and my DD is the flower girl in the wedding.

Anyone have experience renting DVC points? She thinks she may want to do this for her honeymoon and I told her I could help but have never really done it before.

 

[Jodi]

Michael - While I am completely aware that the puddle in my driveway is far deeper than you, dear friend, I am still curious as to what goes on in that mind of yours as it pertains to Ultramarathon strategy. I like your plan a lot, as I have heard incorporating walk breaks from the get-go is essential! I really do wish we could be there for you , but trust you are in good hands with Matt & Cindy. I would include Kathy, but you haven't told me whether or not she's going.

Jen - WOW! Congrats on losing that 20!!. Very impressive & not at ALL easy, I know . LOVE places like Storybook Land. My mom used to take us to Santa Land up in VT when we were little. I think it cost like $1 to get in...no yearly/multi-yearly Disney trips for us when we were kids. I wonder if my son knows how good he has it? . And when we DID go down to FL, my parents just threw us all in the back of a Ford Econoline cargo van with a Chock Full 'O Nuts coffee can for a toilet & drove.

Now I feel like Mike..."I was born, a poor black child". LOVE that movie, BTW.

DVC point rental is fairly easy on the boards. Find someone with a references & a good track record, though. It's definitely a cheaper way to go!

 

[StitchAttack]

Jodi: The IT band is nothing to fool around with. I had bad problems with my IT band a few years back. I stretched, rested it, iced it, used the foam roller, and eventually I changed shoes. The combination of all of the above seemed to work, but it took 2 months or so to get over. Lots of people swear by active release therapy. My friend Rhodri had this done for his IT band problems. If the race is coming up soon, I'd try it, as there might not be enough time for it to heal by itself.

Mike: Cindy and I still plan on coming out to cheer for you on Saturday. Should we bring some of the homemade beer?